Fig. 4: BBP is capable of binding xanthophylls less selectively than β-carotene. | Communications Biology

Fig. 4: BBP is capable of binding xanthophylls less selectively than β-carotene.

From: Insights into the molecular mechanism of yellow cuticle coloration by a chitin-binding carotenoprotein in gregarious locusts

Fig. 4

a–c HPLC analysis showing the carotenoids extracted by BBP from the ZEA- (a, b) or ECH/CAN (c) synthesizing E. coli cells. The elution profiles of the carotenoid standards are on top, carotenoids associated with purified BBP are in the middle and carotenoids extracted from cell pellets after lysis are on the bottom. Early (a) or late (b, c) induction of BBP expression were studied. Note that β-carotene is the common precursor of other xanthophylls analyzed. The position of the carotenoid which we tentatively assign to γ-carotene is indicated by a question mark. d Absorbance spectra of HPLC-separated carotenoids obtained in the course of HPLC runs presented in panels (a–c). e Chemical structures of these carotenoids. f Absorbance spectra of the BBP samples purified from different carotenoid-producing E. coli cells as indicated.

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