Beta Carotene

Paper Summary:

Examines the structure, chemistry and biological activity, focusing on antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties in animal systems.

From the Paper:

"Beta Carotene

The carotenoids as a group, and specifically the beta carotenes, are known to serve a variety of functions in living cells. Presented here is an overview of the structure, chemistry, and biological activity of beta carotene, with emphasis on its capacity as an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen in animal systems.

Beta carotene is a member of a class of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in plants and are found as well in animals. A precursor of vitamin A, also called provitamin A, it is found as an orange-red pigment in terrestrial plants, algae and some marine mammals. After purification, it appears as ruby-red crystals, easily oxidized on contact with air, with MP 184 degrees, MW 536.44. It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, soluble in chloroform, carbon disulfide, ether and benzene. Its ..."

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