Later reactions of carotenoid biosynthesis

Abstract

The later reactions of carotenoid biosynthesis are considered in two groups, the basic reactions occurring at the C-1, 2 double bond, and the final modifications to the cyclic and acyclic structures thus produced. Recent work on these biosynthetic processes is reviewed, with the emphasis on the mechanism and stereochemistry of the reactions. The concept that oarotenoid “half-molecules” rather than individual compounds are the substrates recognised by the enzymes is used to simplify the overall picture of the biosynthesis of cyclic and acyclic carotenoids, and ideas that enzyme aggregates may be involved are discussed. Attention is drawn to the difficulties of correlating details of the stereochemistry of biosynthesis of different carotenoids in different organisms. © 1976, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.