car·o·tene (k r  -t n ) also car·o·tin (-t n)n. An orange-yellow to red crystalline pigment, C40H56, found in animal tissue and certain plants, such as carrots and squash. It exists in several isomeric forms and is converted to vitamin A in the liver. [German Karotin, from Latin car  ta, carrot; see carrot.] |
carotene [ˈkærəˌtiːn], carotin [ˈkærətɪn]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) any of four orange-red isomers of an unsaturated hydrocarbon present in many plants (β-carotene is the orange pigment of carrots) and converted to vitamin A in the liver. Formula: C40H56
[C19 carotin, from Latin carōta carrot; see -ene]
| carotene (kr-tn) Any of various organic compounds that occur as orange-yellow to red pigments in many plants and in animal tissue. In plant leaves, carotenes aid in the absorption of light energy by transferring the energy to chlorophyll and act as antioxidants protecting chlorophyll from damage by oxidation. In animals, carotenes are converted to vitamin A primarily in the liver. They are members of the carotenoid family of compounds and give plants such as carrots, pumpkins, and dandelions their characteristic color. Chemical formula: C40H56. See also xanthophyll. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | carotene - an orange isomer of an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in many plants; is converted into vitamin A in the liver beta-carotene - an isomer of carotene that is found in dark green and dark yellow fruits and vegetables provitamin - vitamin precursor; a substance that is converted into a vitamin in animal tissues |
| 2. | carotene - yellow or orange-red fat-soluble pigments in plants carotenoid - any of a class of highly unsaturated yellow to red pigments occurring in plants and animals |
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