InterPro domain: IPR045019

This family includes beta-carotene hydroxylases ( 1.14.15.24 ) and related proteins from bacteria and plants. Beta-carotene hydroxylases are nonheme diiron monooxygenases involved in the biosynthesis of xanthophylls that specifically hydroxylates the beta-ring of beta-carotene, using ferredoxin as an electron donor. Plant members have also a low activity toward the beta- and epsilon-rings of alpha-carotene and no activity towards acyclic carotenoids such as lycopene and neurosporene [ 1 ].

1. The evolution and function of carotenoid hydroxylases in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell Physiol 50, 463-79