Carotenoids: Biological Functions of Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Natural and Artificial Systems

Carotenoids: Biological Functions of Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Natural and Artificial Systems,Volume 674 in the Methods in Enzymology series,covers new advances in the field,including Ultrafast laser spectroscopic studies,photoprotective functions,fluorescence,Resonance Raman,Engineering the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway,and more.

Format: Hardback
Length: 566 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

Carotenoids, a diverse group of pigments found in nature, have garnered significant attention due to their diverse biological functions. In the Methods in Enzymology series, Volume 674, titled "Biological Functions of Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Natural and Artificial Systems," researchers have compiled a comprehensive collection of chapters that highlight recent advancements in this field.

The book opens with an intriguing chapter titled "Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopic Studies on Carotenoids in Solution and on Those Bound to Photosynthetic Pigment-Protein Complexes." This chapter explores the use of ultrafast laser spectroscopy to study the dynamics and interactions of carotenoids in their native environments. By employing advanced laser techniques, researchers can gain insights into the structural changes and chemical reactions that occur when carotenoids bind to photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes.

Another chapter titled "Assessing Photoprotective Functions of Carotenoids in Photosynthetic Systems of Plants and Green Algae" delves into the role of carotenoids in protecting photosynthetic organisms from harmful environmental stresses. Carotenoids act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and preventing cellular damage, which is particularly important in photosynthetic systems where they are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The chapter discusses the mechanisms by which carotenoids provide photoprotection and highlights the importance of these pigments in maintaining the health and productivity of photosynthetic organisms.

Fluorescence of Carotenoids: Probing Binding Site Interactions and Conformational Motion in Carotenoproteins is another captivating chapter that sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying carotenoid fluorescence. Carotenoids exhibit unique fluorescence properties, which are influenced by their structural characteristics and interactions with surrounding molecules. This chapter discusses the techniques used to study carotenoid fluorescence, including fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime measurements, and computational simulations. By understanding the fluorescence properties of carotenoids, researchers can gain insights into their biological functions, such as signaling and photoprotection.

Resonance Raman: A Powerful Tool to Interrogate Carotenoids in Biological Matrices is a chapter that highlights the use of resonance Raman spectroscopy as a powerful tool for studying carotenoids in biological matrices. Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique that provides information about the chemical composition, structure, and dynamics of molecules. In this chapter, researchers discuss the advantages of resonance Raman spectroscopy in studying carotenoids in various biological systems, including plants, algae, and animal tissues. They also provide examples of how Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the biosynthesis, transport, and metabolism of carotenoids in different organisms.

The book also includes several chapters that cover various aspects of carotenoid research. For instance, Engineering the Carotenoid Biosynthetic Pathway to Study the Function of Carotenoids in Light-Harvesting Complexes explores the use of genetic engineering techniques to study the function of carotenoids in light-harvesting complexes. By manipulating the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, researchers can gain insights into the role of carotenoids in photosynthesis and their potential applications in developing sustainable energy sources.

Carotenoids as Proxies for Variations in Photosynthesis and Phenology in Response to Environmental and Climatic Change is a chapter that explores the use of carotenoids as markers for variations in photosynthesis and phenology in response to environmental and climatic change. Carotenoids can accumulate in plants and algae in response to environmental stressors, such as drought, high temperature, or nutrient deficiency, and these changes can have significant impacts on their photosynthetic efficiency and growth. The chapter discusses the techniques used to measure carotenoid levels in plants and algae and how these measurements can be used to monitor environmental changes and predict plant responses.

Apocarotenoid Pigment Biosynthesis in Non-Model Plants is a chapter that focuses on the biosynthesis of apocarotenoids, a subgroup of carotenoids that are found in non-model plants. Apocarotenoids exhibit distinct chemical properties and have been shown to have important roles in plant growth and development. The chapter discusses the techniques used to study apocarotenoid biosynthesis in non-model plants, including genetic engineering, molecular biology, and chromatography. It also highlights the potential applications of apocarotenoid research in agriculture and plant breeding.

Apocarotenoid Transport in Plants is a chapter that explores the mechanisms of apocarotenoid transport in plants. Apocarotenoids are transported throughout the plant body via various pathways, including the phloem and the xylem. The chapter discusses the factors that influence apocarotenoid transport, such as environmental conditions, developmental stage, and genetic factors. It also provides examples of how apocarotenoid transport can be manipulated to improve plant growth and productivity.

Screening for Apocarotenoid Plant Growth Regulators in Arabidopsis is a chapter that discusses the use of Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant, to screen for apocarotenoid plant growth regulators. Apocarotenoids are known to play important roles in plant growth and development, and by studying Arabidopsis, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of apocarotenoid signaling and identify potential plant growth regulators. The chapter discusses the techniques used to screen for apocarotenoid plant growth regulators, including genetic screens, chemical screens, and bioassays.

Effects of Herbivory on Carotenoid Biosynthesis and Breakdown is a chapter that explores the effects of herbivory on carotenoid biosynthesis and breakdown in plants. Herbivory can have significant impacts on plant growth and development, and carotenoids are one of the compounds that are targeted by herbivores. The chapter discusses the mechanisms by which herbivores target carotenoids, such as taste receptors and digestive enzymes, and the effects of herbivory on carotenoid levels and composition. It also provides examples of how carotenoid biosynthesis and breakdown can be manipulated to improve plant resistance to herbivory.

Biosynthesis and Action of Apocarotenoid Plant Hormones is a chapter that discusses the biosynthesis and action of apocarotenoid plant hormones. Apocarotenoids are known to play important roles in plant growth and development, and they are also involved in plant-plant communication and stress response. The chapter discusses the techniques used to study apocarotenoid plant hormones, including molecular biology, chromatography, and bioassays. It also highlights the potential applications of apocarotenoid plant hormone research in agriculture and plant breeding.

In conclusion, "Biological Functions of Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Natural and Artificial Systems" is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in carotenoid research. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the biological functions of carotenoids and apocarotenoids in natural and artificial systems. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, from ultrafast laser spectroscopic studies on carotenoids in solution to engineering the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway to study their function in light-harvesting complexes. The book also includes chapters on carotenoid photoprotection, fluorescence of carotenoids, resonance Raman, and other aspects of carotenoid research. The authors of the chapters are experts in their respective fields, and their contributions provide valuable insights into the latest developments in carotenoid research. Whether you are a researcher, student, or simply interested in learning more about carotenoids, this book is a must-read.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323913515