Demonstration and Solubilization of Lycopene Cyclase from <i>Capsicum</i> Chromoplast Membranes

Abstract

The conversion of phytoene into beta-carotene was demonstrated previously in chromoplast membranes prepared from Capsicum fruits (B. Camara et al. 1982 Eur J Biochem 127: 255-258). The direct cyclization of lycopene into beta-carotene and the successful solubilization of the enzymic activity involved in this reaction is reported.