Alpha-carotene
Alpha-carotene
Alpha-carotene (/ˈælfə kəˈroʊtiːn/) is a form of carotene with a β-ionone ring at one end and an α-ionone ring at the opposite end. It is the second most common form of carotene.
Etymology
The term "carotene" is derived from the Latin carota ("carrot") and the Greek suffix -ene, denoting a compound containing double bonds. The prefix "alpha-" is from the first letter of the Greek alphabet, indicating the first in a series.
Function
Alpha-carotene is a type of carotenoid, which are yellow, orange, and red organic pigments produced by plants and algae, as well as several bacteria and fungi. Carotenoids give the characteristic color to pumpkins, carrots, corn, tomatoes, canaries, flamingos, and daffodils.
In the human body, alpha-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is essential for normal growth and development, immune system function, and vision.
Related Terms
- Beta-carotene: Another form of carotene that is a precursor to vitamin A.
- Carotenoid: A class of pigments found in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria.
- Vitamin A: A group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds that includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamin A carotenoids.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha-carotene
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha-carotene
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