Phytoene
Encyclopedia
Phytoene is a 40-carbon intermediate in the biosynthesis of carotenoid
s. The synthesis of phytoene is the committed step in the synthesis of carotenoids in plants. Phytoene is produced from two molecules of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate
(GGPP) by the action of the enzyme phytoene synthase
. The two GGPP molecules are condensed together followed by removal of diphosphate and proton shift leading to the formation of phytoene.
Phytoene is a colorless symmetric molecule containing three conjugated double bonds. Phytoene has typical absorption spectra in the UVB range with maximum at 286 nm and with ε1% of 915.
Analysis of several fruits and vegetables showed that phytoene and phytofluene
are found in majority of fruits and vegetables. In contrast to all other carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, the first carotenoid precursors in the biosynthetic pathway of other carotenoids, are colorless and absorb light in the UV range only. Dietary phytoene and phytofluene are accumulated in human skin
; the accumulation of these colorless carotenoids can potentially protect the skin by several mechanisms: acting as UV absorbers, as antioxidants, as anti inflammatory agents. The distribution of phytoene and phytofluene in human serum, prostate, and skin suggests that phytoene and phytofluene may be responsible for the carotenoid protective effects observed in beauty and skin applications.
Phytoene and phytofluene were initially discovered as a potent and stable substitutes to pigmented carotenoids to protect the skin via oral and mostly topical application. The colorless carotenoids may be beneficial for health protection and nutritional and beauty applications such as protection against UV and oxidative damage. Several articles summarized their protective activities against UV irradiation and free radicals derived from UV, damage to DNA and collagen, anti-inflammatory and the ability to reduce pigmentation. All of which lead to reduction in pre-mature aging and damaged skin resulting in brighter, younger looking and protected skin.
Carotenoid
Carotenoids are tetraterpenoid organic pigments that are naturally occurring in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some bacteria, and some types of fungus. Carotenoids can be synthesized fats and other basic organic metabolic building...
s. The synthesis of phytoene is the committed step in the synthesis of carotenoids in plants. Phytoene is produced from two molecules of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate
Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate
Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate is an intermediate in the HMG-CoA reductase pathway used by organisms in the biosynthesis of terpenes and terpenoids. In plants it is also the precursor to carotenoids, gibberellins, tocopherols, and chlorophylls....
(GGPP) by the action of the enzyme phytoene synthase
Phytoene synthase
Phytoene synthase is a transferase enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of carotenoids. It catalyzes the conversion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to phytoene....
. The two GGPP molecules are condensed together followed by removal of diphosphate and proton shift leading to the formation of phytoene.
Phytoene is a colorless symmetric molecule containing three conjugated double bonds. Phytoene has typical absorption spectra in the UVB range with maximum at 286 nm and with ε1% of 915.
Analysis of several fruits and vegetables showed that phytoene and phytofluene
Phytofluene
Phytofluene is a carotenoid pigment with an orange color found naturally in tomatoes and other vegetables. It is the second product of carotenoid biosynthesis. It is formed from phytoene in a desaturation reaction leading to the formation of five conjugated double bonds...
are found in majority of fruits and vegetables. In contrast to all other carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, the first carotenoid precursors in the biosynthetic pathway of other carotenoids, are colorless and absorb light in the UV range only. Dietary phytoene and phytofluene are accumulated in human skin
Human skin
The human skin is the outer covering of the body. In humans, it is the largest organ of the integumentary system. The skin has multiple layers of ectodermal tissue and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is similar to that of most other mammals,...
; the accumulation of these colorless carotenoids can potentially protect the skin by several mechanisms: acting as UV absorbers, as antioxidants, as anti inflammatory agents. The distribution of phytoene and phytofluene in human serum, prostate, and skin suggests that phytoene and phytofluene may be responsible for the carotenoid protective effects observed in beauty and skin applications.
Phytoene and phytofluene were initially discovered as a potent and stable substitutes to pigmented carotenoids to protect the skin via oral and mostly topical application. The colorless carotenoids may be beneficial for health protection and nutritional and beauty applications such as protection against UV and oxidative damage. Several articles summarized their protective activities against UV irradiation and free radicals derived from UV, damage to DNA and collagen, anti-inflammatory and the ability to reduce pigmentation. All of which lead to reduction in pre-mature aging and damaged skin resulting in brighter, younger looking and protected skin.