Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases (CCDs) are enzymes that catalyze the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids into apocarotenoids, which are important for plant development, signaling, and aroma production. These enzymes play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of plant hormones such as abscisic acid and strigolactones, influencing plant growth and stress responses.

Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases

Oxidative Cleavage

Carotenoids are a class of pigments naturally found in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, responsible for the red, yellow, and orange hues in many fruits and vegetables. They play a crucial role in plant health by aiding in photosynthesis and providing antioxidant properties, while also offering potential health benefits to humans, such as supporting eye health and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Carotenoids

Apocarotenoids are a diverse group of compounds derived from the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids, playing crucial roles in plant growth, development, and defense mechanisms. They also serve as important signaling molecules in plants and have significant implications for human health due to their bioactive properties.

Apocarotenoids

Plant development is the process by which plants grow and differentiate, involving a series of genetically programmed stages influenced by environmental factors. This complex process encompasses cellular division, expansion, and differentiation to form the structures necessary for survival and reproduction.

Plant Development

Plant signaling encompasses the complex communication processes that enable plants to respond to environmental stimuli, coordinate growth, and defend against pathogens. It involves a variety of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals that facilitate both internal communication and interactions with other organisms.

Plant Signaling

Aroma production involves the biochemical synthesis of volatile compounds that contribute to the scent of plants, foods, and other organic materials. This process is crucial for attracting pollinators, deterring pests, and enhancing the flavor and appeal of food products.

Aroma Production

Biosynthesis of plant hormones

Abscisic acid is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating plant responses to environmental stress, such as drought, by controlling stomatal closure and promoting dormancy. It also influences other physiological processes like seed germination and maturation, making it integral to plant adaptation and survival strategies.

Abscisic Acid

Strigolactones

Plant growth is a complex process influenced by genetic, environmental, and physiological factors, resulting in the increase in size, mass, and number of plant cells. It involves a series of developmental stages including germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting, each requiring specific conditions for optimal progression.

Concepts

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