Tetraterpene
Encyclopedia
Tetraterpenes are terpene
s consisting of eight isoprene units and have the molecular formula C40H64.
Biologically important tetraterpenes include the acyclic lycopene
, the monocyclic gamma-carotene, and the bicyclic alpha-
and beta-carotene
s.
See also their derivatives the tetraterpenoid
s.
Terpene
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, though also by some insects such as termites or swallowtail butterflies, which emit terpenes from their osmeterium. They are often strong smelling and thus may have had a protective...
s consisting of eight isoprene units and have the molecular formula C40H64.
Biologically important tetraterpenes include the acyclic lycopene
Lycopene
Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas...
, the monocyclic gamma-carotene, and the bicyclic alpha-
Alpha-carotene
α-Carotene is a form of carotene with a β-ring at one end and an ε-ring at the other. It is the second most common form of carotene.-Human physiology:...
and beta-carotene
Beta-carotene
β-Carotene is a strongly-coloured red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits. It is an organic compound and chemically is classified as a hydrocarbon and specifically as a terpenoid , reflecting its derivation from isoprene units...
s.
See also their derivatives the tetraterpenoid
Tetraterpenoid
Tetraterpenoids are terpenoids of 8 isoprene units - hence 40 carbon atoms in the skeleton.Notable subgroups are*carotenoidsOthers*trianthenol 1*methyl tortuoate C from coral...
s.