Search

• The semilight photoperiod greatly increases vitamin E and carotenoids in sprouts. • The accumulation of vitamin E in mung bean sprouts is inhibited by constant light. • γ-tocopherol and lutein are most affected by photoperiod. • Semilight photoperiod activates the GGPPS, PSY, HPT, LCYE, LUT5, LUT1 and ZE genes. • DXS and GGPPS are the most sensitive genes to photoperiod during germination. Light affects the accumulation of vitamin E and carotenoids in many crops. This study investigated the impact of photoperiods on the metabolic regulation of vitamin E and carotenoids in mung bean sprouts considering their dietary health benefits. Mung beans were germinated under three different photoperiods: constant light, semilight and constant dark. Results revealed that the semilight photoperiod was optimum for vitamin E and carotenoid accumulation in mung bean sprouts. DXS was activated in the constant dark and was inhibited by constant light. GGPPS and HPT were sensitive to semilight photoperiod in the vitamin E biosynthetic pathway, playing dominant roles in vitamin E accumulation. The PSY , LCYE , LUT5 , LUT1 and ZE genes, which are associated with carotenoid biosynthesis, were activated under semilight treatment and significantly regulated the accumulation of carotenoids. This knowledge improves knowledge on light-mediated regulation of vitamin E and carotenoids in mung bean sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]