title: Structural determinations and spectroscopic studies of carotenoids reveal the factors important in controlling their function in biological systems.
abstract: Recent reports in the literature have revealed the structures of several carotenoids in photosynthetic pigment protein complexes. These structures are highly suggestive of the manner in which carotenoids carry out their light-harvesting and photo-protective roles in photosynthesis. Spectroscopic studies augment the structural investigations by providing information on the energetics and dynamics of carotenoids. These are molecular features important in controlling the function of carotenoids in these systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-3060, USA.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Frank
mesh_terms: D002338:Carotenoids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D002338:Carotenoids