phytoène
Phytoene is a colorless carotenoid hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C40H64. It is an early intermediate in carotenoid biosynthesis, produced by plants, algae, and many bacteria that synthesize carotenoids.
Biochemically, phytoene is formed by the head-to-head condensation of two geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) units, a reaction
Because of its limited conjugation, phytoene is colorless; its role is primarily as a biosynthetic precursor
Occurrence and research: Phytoene is widespread among organisms that synthesize carotenoids. In biotechnology, its synthase gene