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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Carotene and Carotenoid?

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Carotene and carotenoid are terms related to pigments found in plants, but they are not interchangeable. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Carotene: Carotene is a class of hydrocarbons that belong to the carotenoid family. They are synthesized by plants and are important for photosynthesis. Carotenes contain no oxygen atoms, and they absorb ultraviolet, violet, and blue light, scattering orange or red light in low concentrations. There are two primary isomers of carotene: α-carotene and β-carotene, which differ in the position of a double bond. β-carotene is the most common form and acts as an antioxidant.
  • Carotenoid: Carotenoids are a broader class of organic pigments that include carotenes, as well as other pigments containing oxygen, such as xanthophylls. Carotenoids are synthesized by plants, bacteria, fungi, and lower algae, and some animals obtain these pigments through their diet. Carotenoids have two six-carbon rings at their ends, connected by a chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

In summary, carotene is a specific type of carotenoid without oxygen atoms, while carotenoid is a broader term encompassing various pigments, including carotenes and oxygen-containing pigments like xanthophylls.

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  • What is the Difference Between Carotene and Carotenoid?
  • Comparative Table: Carotene vs Carotenoid

    • Comparative Table: Carotene vs Carotenoid

    Here is a table comparing the differences between carotene and carotenoids:

    Feature Carotene Carotenoids
    Type Specific type of carotenoids A class of over 600 compounds, including carotenes and lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene
    Structure Carotenes are pure hydrocarbons Carotenoids can be pure hydrocarbons (carotenes) or contain oxygen (xanthophyll derivatives)
    Provitamin A α-Carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin can be converted into retinol, making them provitamin A carotenoids Not all carotenoids have vitamin A activity; lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin have no vitamin A activity
    Benefits Act as antioxidants, destroying free radicals that are harmful to the body Act as antioxidants, dest
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.