Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables Genomics and Dietetics
This comprehensive treatise provides insight into pigment biosynthesis and dietetics. The text includes current reviews on the genomics of carotenoid, flavonoid, and betalain biosynthesis in plants and the dietetics of these pigments in humans. Pigments b
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Genomics and Dietetics
Chunxian Chen Editor
Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables Genomics and Dietetics
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Editor Chunxian Chen Citrus Research and Education Center University of Florida Lake Alfred, Florida USA
ISBN 978-1-4939-2355-7 ISBN 978-1-4939-2356-4 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-1-4939-2356-4 Library of Congress Control Number: 2015933509 Springer New York Heidelberg Dordrecht London © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science + Business Media (www.springer.com)
Preface
Colors are ubiquitous in nature, particularly in living organisms ranging from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals. Many organisms have developed their own characteristic colors that vary by parts and developmental stage. These colors are not just visually decorative and attractive, but biologically essential in reproduction, coevolution, and ecosystem sustenance. Colors in plants, flowers, and fruits attract animals for pollination to produce seeds and for consumption to disperse seeds, which both help in species reproduction and diversification. Coloration-based camouflage in ecosystems to enhance survival is a good example of coevolution. The importance of colors in living organisms cannot be overstated. An old saying is apt: Colors can please the eye, gladden the heart, and nurture the mind. Biological pigments, the chemical components able to generate a full spectrum of visual colors in nature, are in fact much more important and valuable; they are biosynthesized behind the scene in living organisms and ultimately ingested in our daily diet. Pigments produced in plants include four major classes: chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids, and betalains. Chlorophylls are the primary green pigments for photosynthesis. The latter three are complementary nongreen pigments with diverse functions. Extensive research on the genetic mechanisms of their biosynthesis has yielded many e
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