Question

\(\beta\)- Carotene is a rich source of

• A. Protein
• B. Vitamin-E
• C. Vitamin-D
• D. Vitamin-A

Hint:

Provitamins:
$\beta$-Carotene $\rightarrow$ Vitamin A (Provitamin A).
7-Dehydrocholesterol $\rightarrow$ Vitamin $\text{D}_3$.
Tryptophan $\rightarrow$ Niacin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Carotenoid biochemistry: plant-derived provitamin A carotenoids are cleaved in animal enterocytes to generate active vitamin A.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \beta\text{-Carotene} \xrightarrow{\beta\text{-Carotene-15,15'-Dioxygenase}} 2\text{ Retinal} \xrightarrow{\text{Reductase}} 2\text{ Retinol (Vitamin A)} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In animal nutrition and biochemistry:
- Beta-Carotene ($\beta$-Carotene) is the principal plant-derived provitamin pigment present in green leafy forages and carrots.
- Upon ingestion, $\beta$-carotene is centrally cleaved in intestinal mucosal cells by $\beta$-carotene-15,15'-dioxygenase into Vitamin A (Retinol).
- Hence, $\beta$-carotene is the primary dietary precursor and richest nutritional source of Vitamin A for domestic livestock.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, beta-Carotene is a rich source of Vitamin-A, matching option (D).