Lycopene

Lycopene is a bright red carotene, carotenoid pigment and phytochemical. It is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids like beta carotene. It is also responsible for synthesizing yellow, orange or red pigmentation, photosynthesis, and photo-protection. Like all carotenoids, lycopene is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon, which is an unsubstantiated alkene. Structurally, it is a tetraterpene assembled from eight isoprene units, composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen, and is insoluble in water. Lycopene's eleven conjugated double bonds give it a deep red color and are responsible for its antioxidant activity.