Demonstration and Solubilization of Lycopene Cyclase from Capsicum Chromoplast Membranes

Abstract
The conversion of phytoene into .beta.-carotene was demonstrated previously in chromoplast membranes prepared from Capsicum fruits (B. Camara et al. 1982 Eur J Biochem 127:255-258). The direct cyclization of lycopene into .beta.-carotene and the successful solubilization of the enzymic activity involved in this reaction is reported.