The biosynthesis of astaxanthin. XII. The conversion of labelled β-carotene-15, 15′-\u3csup\u3e3\u3c/sup\u3eH2 into body astaxanthin in the lobster, Panulirus japonicus

1. 1. Astaxanthin is the most dominant pigment in the lobster, Panulirus japonicus. 2. 2. The lobsters were cultured in a laboratory for 2 weeks by feeding the modified standard diet containing β-carotene-15,15\u27-3H2 dissolved in plant oil. 3. 3. β-Carotene was converted to their body astaxanthin via isocryptoxanthin, echinenonc, 4-hydroxyechinenone, canthaxanthin, and 3-hydroxycanthaxanthin 4. 4. The metabolic pathway from β-carotene to astaxanthin in the lobster was as follows:- β-Carotene → isocryptoxanthin → echinenone → 4-hydroxyechinenone → canthaxanthin → 3-hydroxycanthaxanthin → astaxanthin. © 1973