Phytoene desaturase (lycopene-forming) of a bacterial phytoene desaturase into transgenic tomatos increased the lycopene content without the need to alter several of the plants enzymes. This approach was later used in rice to increase its β-carotene content resulting in the Golden Rice project. Phytoene desaturase (lycopene-forming) Phytoene desaturase (lycopene-forming) (CrtI, "four-step phytoene desaturase") (, "15-cis-phytoene:acceptor oxidoreductase (lycopene-forming)") are enzymes found in archaea, bacteria and fungi that are involved in carotenoid biosynthesis. They catalyze the conversion of colorless 15-"cis"-phytoene into a bright red lycopene in a biochemical pathway called the poly-trans pathway. The same process in plants and cyanobacteria utilizes four separate enzymes in
Lycopene food, or as a dietary supplement, and any of these cancers." A 2017 review concluded that tomato products and lycopene supplementation had small positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors, such as elevated blood lipids and blood pressure. A 2010 review concluded that research has been insufficient to establish whether lycopene consumption affects human health. Lycopene has been studied in basic and clinical research for its potential effects on cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer, although results through 2017 have not changed the prevailing FDA view that evidence of benefit remains inconclusive. Lycopene Lycopene (from the neo-Latin "Lycopersicum", the tomato species) is