Question

Where are carotenoid pigments found?

Answer 1

Hint: Carotenoids are pigments of plants which are found in a variety of plant products such as- fruits and vegetables. The common carotenoids found in the human body are- beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoids are fat soluble and also, they consist of antioxidant properties which are also present in carrot, sweet potatoes and vegetables like- papaya, tomatoes, bell peppers.

Complete answer-
Carotenoids are usually found in the chloroplast of thylakoid membranes, as they are photosynthetic plastids in green tissues. Carotenoids are found abundantly in membranes which support photosynthesis and photoprotection.
Carotenoids are indispensable to not only plants but also very crucial in human diets. Carotenoids are originated or biosynthesis of carotenoids are from the organelle plastid. In plastids they occur in variant forms such as- etioplasts, chloroplasts, amyloplasts and chromoplasts. Hence, clearly plastids play an important role in governing carotenogenic activity.
Understanding carotenoid diversity and metabolism is multifaceted towards developing nutrient enriched food crops. These triterpenoid pigments are widely distributed in bacteria and fungi also in algae. Apart from vegetables and carotenoids are reported in many flowers and fruits and roots also. The typical color of carotenoids is orangish red and also, they have their own vivid type of color like- yellow, violet and red hues.

Note:
Despite providing photoprotection in plants, carotenoids provide precursors for the growth hormones such as Abscisic acids and string lactones. The derivatives of carotenoids also act as signaling molecules to mediate plant development. Apart from functions in human nutrition and health, carotenoids are used as preventive measures in some chronic diseases like- cardiovascular diseases, cancer and eye diseases.