Development of molecular techniques for studying the metabolism of carotenoids in Bixa orellana L.

The tropical plant Bixa orellana L. (annatto) is the sole source of bixin, the most frequently employed natural pigment in the food industry. Little is known about the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of this crop. Our purpose was to establish a set of analytical tools that could be applied in the genetic improvement of B. orellana, particularly for the screening of characteristics such as bixin content and resistance to diseases or pests. Some preliminary results on the study of carotenoid synthesis are presented. In vitro cultures from several B. orellana tissues were established and DNA, RNA, and proteins were extracted from them and analyzed. Similarly, bixin and total carotenoids were quantified.