Title : Biological implications of carotenoids in aquatic organisms
Abstract:
Natural pigment Carotenoids play key role in colouration, growth, metabolic activity, physiology, health and reproduction. Among more than 800 carotenoids so far discovered, the main two types such as Carotene and xanthophylls are found in animals and they are fat soluble derivative of 40 carbon polyene chain. However, animals cannot synthesize them denovo , only some bacteria, algae, fungi and plants can biosynthesize them. So to maintain all physiological activity animals must obtain them from food. In this review various types of carotenoids, their sources, physiological aspects of their metabolism in respect of aquatic organisms’ overall health and wellbeing have been documented.