Editing Lycopene (section)

==Occurrence==
Aside from tomatoes or tomato products like [[ketchup]], it is found in [[watermelon]]s, [[grapefruit]]s, red [[guava]]s, and [[baked beans]].<ref name=lpi/> It has no [[vitamin A]] activity.<ref name="lpi">{{cite web|url=https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids|title=Carotenoids: α-Carotene, β-Carotene, β-Cryptoxanthin, Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin|publisher=Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR|date=October 2023|access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref>

In [[plant]]s, [[algae]], and other [[Photosynthesis|photosynthetic organisms]], lycopene is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids, including [[Beta-Carotene|beta-carotene]], which is responsible for yellow, orange, or red pigmentation, [[photosynthesis]], and [[photoprotection]].<ref name=lpi/> 

Like all carotenoids, lycopene is a [[terpene|tetraterpene]].<ref name=lpi/> It is soluble in [[fat]], but insoluble in water.<ref name=lpi/> Eleven [[Conjugated system|conjugated double bond]]s give lycopene its deep red color.<ref name=lpi/>

Owing to the strong color, lycopene is used as a [[food coloring]] (registered as E160d) and is approved for use in the US,<ref>{{cite web|title=21 CFR 73.585. Tomato lycopene extract|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title21-vol1/pdf/CFR-2012-title21-vol1-sec73-585.pdf|publisher=US Food and Drug Administration|date=26 July 2005}}</ref> Australia and New Zealand (registered as 160d),<ref>Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code{{cite web |url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011C00827 |title=Standard 1.2.4 – Labelling of ingredients (search "lycopene")|date=8 September 2011 |access-date=2011-10-27}}</ref> and the [[European Union]] (E160d).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=UK Food Standards Agency|url=http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist |title=Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers |access-date=2011-10-27}}</ref>