NCBI Taxonomy: 2919360
Ononis spinosa subsp. procurrens (ncbi_taxid: 2919360)
found 2 associated metabolites at subspecies taxonomy rank level.
Ancestor: Ononis spinosa
Child Taxonomies: none taxonomy data.
Phytoene
Phytoene, also known as all-trans-phytoene or 15-cis-phytoene, is a member of the class of compounds known as carotenes. Carotenes are a type of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing eight consecutive isoprene units. They are characterized by the presence of two end-groups (mostly cyclohexene rings, but also cyclopentene rings or acyclic groups) linked by a long branched alkyl chain. Carotenes belonging form a subgroup of the carotenoids family. Thus, phytoene is considered to be an isoprenoid lipid molecule. Phytoene can be found in a number of food items such as turmeric, garden onion, winter squash, and coconut, which makes phytoene a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Phytoene can be found primarily in blood and breast milk. Phytoene (FY-toe-een) is a 40-carbon intermediate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids. The synthesis of phytoene is the first committed step in the synthesis of carotenoids in plants. Phytoene is produced from two molecules of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) by the action of the enzyme phytoene synthase. The two GGPP molecules are condensed together followed by removal of diphosphate and proton shift leading to the formation of phytoene . Phytoene, also known as 7,7,8,8,11,11,12,12-octahydrocarotene, is a carotenoid found in human fluids. Carotenoids are isoprenoid molecules that are widespread in nature and are typically seen as pigments in fruits, flowers, birds, and crustacea. Animals are unable to synthesize carotenoids de novo, and rely upon the diet as a source of these compounds. Over recent years there has been considerable interest in dietary carotenoids with respect to their potential in alleviating age-related diseases in humans. This attention has been mirrored by significant advances in cloning most of the carotenoid genes and in the genetic manipulation of crop plants with the intention of increasing levels in the diet. Studies have shown an inverse relationship between the consumption of certain fruits and vegetables and the risk of epithelial cancer. Since carotenoids are among the micronutrients found in cancer-preventive foods, detailed qualitative and quantitative determination of these compounds, particularly in fruits and vegetables and in human plasma, have recently become increasingly important (PMID: 1416048, 15003396). D020011 - Protective Agents > D000975 - Antioxidants > D002338 - Carotenoids
