TY - JOUR

T1 - Seed carotenoids: synthesis, diversity, and functions

AU - Smolikova, G.N.

AU - Medvedev, S.S.

PY - 2015

Y1 - 2015

N2 - Data on synthesis, physicochemical properties, and functions of carotenoids in developing and dormant seeds are reviewed. During seed ripening carotenoids are involved in photosynthesis by performing light harvesting and protective functions specific of photosynthesizing tissues; they also serve as ABA precursors. In dormant seeds carotenoids are located in the plastids where they improve the structural integrity of membranes and protect nutrient substances against destruction. The role of carotenoids as lipophilic antioxidants is considered, and the mechanisms of carotenoidprotective action against free radicals produced during seed aging are discussed.

AB - Data on synthesis, physicochemical properties, and functions of carotenoids in developing and dormant seeds are reviewed. During seed ripening carotenoids are involved in photosynthesis by performing light harvesting and protective functions specific of photosynthesizing tissues; they also serve as ABA precursors. In dormant seeds carotenoids are located in the plastids where they improve the structural integrity of membranes and protect nutrient substances against destruction. The role of carotenoids as lipophilic antioxidants is considered, and the mechanisms of carotenoidprotective action against free radicals produced during seed aging are discussed.

KW - angiosperms

KW - seeds

KW - chloroembryophytes

KW - carotenoids

KW - photosynthesis

KW - ABA

KW - apocarotenoids

KW - carotenoid radicals

U2 - 10.1134/S1021443715010136

DO - 10.1134/S1021443715010136

M3 - Article

VL - 62

SP - 1

EP - 13

JO - Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

JF - Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

SN - 1021-4437

IS - 1

ER -