George Britton & Synnove Liaaen-Jensen 
Carotenoids, Vol. 4: Natural Functions 

Twenty years after the idea of this Carotenoids book series was first discussed, we are finally reaching the end of the project. Carotenoids Volumes 4 and 5 now move us into the great field of biology, and cover the functions of carotenoids and the actions of carotenoids in nutrition and health. In the classic 1971 Isler book Carotenoids, carotenoid functions were covered in just one chapter. Now, thanks to technical developments and multidisciplinary approaches that make it possible to study functional processes in great detail, this subject is the most rapidly expanding area of carotenoid research, and occupies two full volumes. These can be used as stand-alone books, but they are really planned to be used together and to complete the coverage of the carotenoid field begun in earlier volumes, as the final part of a coordinated series. The general philosophy and strategy of the series, to have expert authors review, analyse and present information and give guidance on practical strategies and procedures is maintained in Volumes 4 and 5, though the subject matter does not lend itself to the kind of detailed Worked Examples that were featured in earlier volumes. It has also been the aim that these publications should be useful for both experienced carotenoid researchers and newcomers to the field.

Table of Content

Special Molecules, Special Properties.- Structure and Chirality.- E/Z Isomers and Isomerization.- Three-dimensional Structures of Carotenoids by X-ray Crystallography.- Aggregation and Interface Behaviour of Carotenoids.- Carotenoid-Protein Interactions.- Carotenoid Radicals and Radical Ions.- Structure and Properties of Carotenoid Cations.- Excited Electronic States, Photochemistry and Photophysics of Carotenoids.- Functions of Intact Carotenoids.- Signal Functions of Carotenoid Colouration.- Carotenoids in Aquaculture: Fish and Crustaceans.- Xanthophylls in Poultry Feeding.- Carotenoids in Photosynthesis.- Functions of Carotenoid Metabolites and Breakdown Products.- Cleavage of ?-Carotene to Retinal.- Enzymic Pathways for Formation of Carotenoid Cleavage Products.