Beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase

In enzymology, a beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction


 * beta-carotene + O2 $$\rightleftharpoons$$ 2 retinal

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are beta-carotene and O2, whereas its product is retinal.

This enzyme belongs to the family of oxidoreductases, specifically those acting on paired donors, with O2 as oxidant and incorporation or reduction of oxygen. The oxygen incorporated need not be derive from O miscellaneous. The systematic name of this enzyme class is beta-carotene:oxygen 15,15'-oxidoreductase (bond-cleaving). Other names in common use include beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, carotene dioxygenase, and carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase. This enzyme participates in retinol metabolism. It has 2 cofactors: iron, and Bile salt.