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Can lycopene and lutein be converted into vitamin A?
a) Yes
b) No

User Victortv
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Final answer:

No, Lycopene and lutein cannot be converted into vitamin A, only certain carotenoids like ß-carotene can be. The conversion is an enzymatic reaction that primarily takes place in the liver in humans.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, lycopene and lutein cannot be converted into vitamin A. While both are carotenoids, they do not have the capability to be transformed into vitamin A. Instead, ß-carotene is the most potent provitamin A carotenoid, which can be converted into vitamin A. This conversion of ß-carotene into two molecules of active vitamin A, also known as retinal, occurs with the help of the enzyme ß-carotene 15, 15'-oxygenase, primarily in the liver in humans and the intestinal walls in other animals. The process is also assisted by the presence of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and is classified as a dioxygenase reaction.

User Evyan
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