carotene

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carotene

carotene , long-chained, unsaturated hydrocarbon found as a pigment in many higher plants, particularly carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Carotene is thought to assist in trapping light energy for photosynthesis or to aid in chemical reduction. It is important in animal biology as the main dietary source of vitamin A (see vitamin ), which is produced by splitting one molecule of carotene into two molecules of vitamin A. Carotene that is thus converted is called provitamin A. This reaction occurs in either the liver or intestinal wall. The absorption of dietary carotene is dependent on the action of bile. Its absorption is less efficient than that of vitamin A. High intake of dietary carotene is being studied for its disease prevention potential. Carotenes are the simplest of a group of natural pigments called carotenoids, of which there are more than 600.

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carotene

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

carotene One of a group of hydrocarbon carotenoids.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "carotene." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 22 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "carotene." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (December 22, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-carotene.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "carotene." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved December 22, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-carotene.html

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carotene

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Â© A Dictionary of Plant Sciences 1998, originally published by Oxford University Press 1998. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

carotene One of a group of hydrocarbon carotenoids.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "carotene." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 22 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "carotene." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved December 22, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-carotene.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	What carotenes can do for you. Magazine article from: Agricultural Research; 11/1/1996
	Beta-carotene: fluke or fate? (prevention of vascular events, such as heart attack or stroke; interpreting data from the Physicians Health Study) Newspaper article from: Nutrition Action Healthletter; 3/1/1991
	Beta-carotene: no magic bullet. (research results do not support use of antioxidant to prevent cancer) Newspaper article from: Nutrition Action Healthletter; 3/1/1996

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