Tetraterpene

Tetraterpenes are terpenes consisting of eight isoprene units and have the molecular formula C40H64.[1] Tetraterpenoids (including many carotenoids) are tetraterpenes that have been chemically modified, as indicated by the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups.Carotenoids have important biological functions, with roles in light capture, antioxidative activity and protection against free radicals, synthesis of plant hormones and as structural components of the membranes.Aside their biological relevance, carotenoids are also high-value compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries.[3][4][5] Xanthophylls are another group of tetraterpene pigments distributed widely in nature.
The chemical structure of cryptoxanthin , a yellow tetraterpenoid of the xanthophyll type.
cryptoxanthinxanthophyllterpenesPhytoenecarotenoidsXanthophyllsbiochemistry