Diversity and origin of carotenoid biosynthesis: its history of coevolution towards plant photosynthesis

The development of photosynthesis was a highlight in the progression bacteria. In addition to photosystems with their structural proteins, apparatus consists different cofactors including essential carotenoids. Thus, evolution carotenoid pathways relation functionality resulting structures is focus this review. Analysis pathway genes indicates early evolutionary roots prokaryotes. complexity leading multitude result gene acquisition, functional modifications, emergence novel and exchange between species. Along photosynthesis, coevolved according advancing functionality. Cyanobacteria, oxygenic became landmark for events carotenogenesis. Concurrent endosymbiosis, cyanobacterial were inherited into algal plastids. lineage Chlorophyta plants, carotenoids evolved prominent role protection regulation light energy input as constituents highly efficient light-harvesting complex.