Xanthophyll

From Freepedia

Xanthophylls (originally phylloxanthins), are yellow pigments of oxycarotenoid type, from the carotenoid group. They are found in the leaves of most plants. They are involved in photosynthesis along with green chlorophyll, which typically covers up the yellow except in autumn. In plants they are considered accessory pigments, along with anthocyanins, carotenes, and sometimes phycobilins.

Xanthophylls are oxidized derivates of carotenes. They contain hydroxyl groups and are more polar.

Xanthophylls cannot be produced by animals, but they can take it in with their feed. The yellow color of chicken egg yolks, for instance, is produced in this way.

The group of xanthophylls is composed of lutein, zeaxanthin, and α- and β-cryptoxanthin.