ALOXANTHIN Meaning and
Definition
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Aloxanthin is a term derived from two words: "alo" meaning "other" and "xanthos" meaning "yellow." It refers to a group of yellowish pigments that can be found in certain plants, algae, and fungi. Aloxanthin is classified as a carotenoid compound due to its chemical structure, which consists of a series of conjugated double bonds.
These pigments are usually synthesized by plants as secondary metabolites, which means they are not directly involved in essential physiological functions. Instead, aloxanthins are believed to provide protective roles for plants, such as shielding them from excessive light or serving as antioxidants. In particular, they can act as accessory pigments in photosynthesis by capturing light energy and transferring it to chlorophyll molecules for energy conversion.
Aloxanthins are widely distributed in nature and contribute to the yellow coloration of many plant tissues and organs, including flowers, fruits, and leaves. In some cases, they can also produce variations of red or orange hues. Their presence in algae, such as diatoms or brown seaweeds, is responsible for the golden or brownish coloration seen in certain marine environments.
Overall, aloxanthins play an important role in the visual aesthetics of plants and algae while offering protections against environmental stressors. Their various shades of yellow contribute to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
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A yellow substance obtained from aloes by treating with potassium bichromate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ALOXANTHIN
- aloxantin
- alloxantin
- aloxanthine
- alloxanthin
- alloxanthine
- zloxanthin
- sloxanthin
- wloxanthin
- qloxanthin
- akoxanthin
- apoxanthin
- aooxanthin
- alkxanthin
- allxanthin
- alpxanthin
- al0xanthin
- al9xanthin
- alozanthin
- alocanthin
- alodanthin
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