Astaxanthin
This class of plant pigments includes astaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene.
What are carotenoids?
This geological term describes an isolated mountain or hill that rises abruptly from a relatively flat plain due to erosion of the surrounding landscape.
What is an inselberg?
Unlike beta-carotene, astaxanthin belongs to this oxygen-containing subclass of carotenoids.
What are xanthophylls?
Astaxanthin's unique structure allows it to span this structure, helping protect both its inner and outer surfaces from oxidation.
What is the cell membrane (phospholipid bilayer)?
This freshwater microalga is the richest natural source of astaxanthin and can accumulate it to more than 3% of its dry weight under stress.
What is Haematococcus pluvialis?
The antioxidant power of astaxanthin is thought to stem partly from its conjugated double-bond system and two polar end groups, allowing the molecule to orient itself across this lipid structure.
What is the phospholipid bilayer (cell membrane)?