Molecular mechanism of carotenoid esterification in microalgae

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Carotenoids are mainly synthesized in photosynthetic organisms (higher plants, algae, and cyanobacteria) and have important biological functions. Carotenoids are also important for humans and animals but must be supplied through the diet. Therefore, understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis is important for both primary and applied research. There are 2 classes of carotenoids: carotenes (hydrocarbon carotenoids) and xanthophylls (oxygen derivatives of carotenes such as astaxanthin). In higher plants and microalgae, many xanthophylls are further esterified by fatty acids to xanthophyll esters.