Carotenoid biosynthesis

Carotenoid biosynthesis is the natural process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria produce colorful pigments like orange, yellow, and red. Starting from basic building blocks derived from sunlight energy, the process involves a series of chemical reactions that assemble and modify molecules called isoprenoids. These reactions build precursor compounds that are then converted into various carotenoids, which help plants capture light for photosynthesis and protect against damage from sunlight. The entire pathway is tightly regulated, ensuring the right pigments are produced for functions like color, photosynthesis efficiency, and antioxidant protection.