zeaxanthin biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of zeaxanthin. [GOC:TermGenie, GOC:yaf, MetaCyc:PWY-5944, UniPathway:UPA00843]

The zeaxanthin biosynthetic process is a complex pathway within chloroplasts that produces zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment crucial for protecting photosynthetic organisms from photooxidative damage. The process begins with the conversion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) to phytoene, catalyzed by phytoene synthase. Phytoene undergoes a series of desaturation steps, catalyzed by phytoene desaturase, to produce lycopene, a linear carotenoid. Lycopene is then cyclized at both ends by lycopene cyclase to form beta-carotene. beta-carotene is then hydroxylated at both ends by beta-carotene hydroxylase to produce zeaxanthin. The specific steps involved in the zeaxanthin biosynthetic process can vary slightly depending on the organism, but the overall process remains similar. This pathway is highly regulated and influenced by environmental factors such as light intensity and temperature. Zeaxanthin plays a vital role in protecting photosynthetic organisms from photooxidative damage by dissipating excess light energy as heat through a process called non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). This process helps prevent the formation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cellular components. In addition to its role in photoprotection, zeaxanthin also contributes to the color of fruits, flowers, and other plant tissues.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)