Chapter 25: Q15P (page 1142)
Mark off the isoprene units in lycopene and β-carotene. Can you detect a similarity in the way in which squalene, lycopene, and β-carotene are biosynthesized?
Short Answer
The isoprene units in lycopene and β-carotene are marked below.
The biosynthesis of lycopene and β-carotene is similar to that of squalene. At the center of both the compound, there will be the presence of tail-to-tail linkage. It indicates that the two halves of the molecules are prepared in separate forms in a head-to-tail manner. The obtained products are joined in a tail-to-tail fashion.
Step by step solution
About lycopene
The organic chemical that is present in the carotenoid pigment of tomatoes is lycopene. This compound is very important for the red coloration in tomatoes. This chemical compound is a class of tetraterpene.
About β carotene
The organic compound that has eight isoprene units with 40 carbons is β-carotene. This compound is present as a pigment with a red-orange color. We can find this pigment in fruits, fungi, and plants.
About the isoprene unit
The structure of one isoprene unit is shown below.
Thus, the isoprene units of lycopene and β-carotene are as below.
About the biosynthesis
The biosynthesis of lycopene and β-carotene is similar to that of squalene. At the center of both the compound, there will be the presence of tail-to-tail linkage. It indicates that the two halves of the molecules are prepared in separate forms in a head-to-tail manner. The obtained products are joined in a tail-to-tail fashion.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
