Carotenoids in Membranes

摘要: Membranes of bacteria, plants and animals contain carotenoid pigments as direct constituents their lipid phase. The rod-like structure a molecule, often terminated with polar groups the molecular dimensions atypical matching thickness hydrophobic membrane core, are directly responsible for localization orientation pigment molecules within effects on properties. Model studies have revealed several carotenoids dynamics membranes. Restrictions to motional freedom lipids due interactions rigid Carotenoids main cause properties such increase in rigidity thermostability or penetration barrier oxygen other small molecules. These reviewed discussed regard biological functions biomembranes including those already well established experimentally proven, membranes currently studied, like xanthophyll thylakoid predictable basis results experiments carried out model systems, awaiting confirmation from detailed physiological studies.