Beta Carotene's Effects on Plants

Protecting Photosystems

• Beta-carotene plays a role in protecting the photosystems of a plant. Photosystems, of which two exist, constitute the photochemical reaction centers in a plant, or the place within the plant where light converts to energy. These systems exist within chloroplast, a part of plant cells. Beta-carotene applies its anti-oxidizing qualities to prevent oxygen from forming during chemical reactions. The formation of oxygen may prevent or limit the successful conversion of light to energy or otherwise upset the chemical balance of a plant cell.

Involvement in Photosynthesis

• Beta-carotene plays a roll in photosynthesis in addition to protecting the photosystems of a plant. By bonding with chlorophyll and several other pigments, beta-carotene absorbs light for the process of photosynthesis, or the conversion of light to energy. Each pigment in these clusters absorbs a different type of light. The absorption of the widest spectrum of light possible by these pigments optimizes conditions for photosynthesis and helps a plant convert the maximum amount of energy during the process.

Pigmentation

• Beta-carotene constitutes a type of pigment. Pigments give objects colors by reflecting certain sections of the light spectrum. Fruits and vegetables with rich orange and yellow hues get their coloring from beta-carotene pigmentation. Examples of such fruits and vegetables include carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, peaches, cantaloupe and apricots. Some foods with beta-carotene, such as leafy greens like spinach, possess other pigmentation that overpowers the yellow or orange coloring of beta-carotene and produces an altogether different appearance.

Commercial Beta-carotene

• Commercial beta-carotene manufacturers cull the substance from palm oil, algae or fungi or produce it synthetically. Technically, neither fungi nor algae constitute plants. Therefore, the effect of this beta-carotene on plants remains unknown without somehow introducing it to a plant system and observing the outcome. The same holds true for commercially produced beta-carotene. Scientific evidence of the effect of beta-carotene introduced to plants directly or through soil seems marginal and irrelevant. Studies focus on the effect of beta-carotene native to a plant on that plant or the effects of the substance on human beings.