GENES AND ENZYMES OF CAROTENOID BIOSYNTHESIS IN PLANTS

TLDR

Carotenoids are essential components of plant photosynthetic membranes, and genes encoding most enzymes of their biosynthesis have recently been identified. This review examines recent insights into the structure and function of carotenoid biosynthetic genes and enzymes, addressing IPP sourcing, metabolic engineering prospects, and enzyme compartmentation. The authors propose a speculative model of carotenogenic enzyme complexes to guide future experimental investigations.

Abstract

▪ Abstract Carotenoids are integral and essential components of the photosynthetic membranes in all plants. Within the past few years, genes encoding nearly all of the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of these indispensable pigments have been identified. This review focuses on recent findings as to the structure and function of these genes and the enzymes they encode. Three topics of current interest are also discussed: the source of isopentenyl pyrophosphate for carotenoid biosynthesis, the progress and possibilities of metabolic engineering of plants to alter carotenoid content and composition, and the compartmentation and association of the carotenogenic enzymes. A speculative schematic model of carotenogenic enzyme complexes is presented to help frame and provoke insightful questions leading to future experimentation.