Heme-containing cytochrome P450 involved in the biosynthesis of xanthophylls. Specific for epsilon- and beta-ring hydroxylation of alpha-carotene. Has only a low activity toward the beta-rings of beta-carotene. The preferred substrate in planta is not alpha-carotene but the epsilon-ring of zeinoxanthin (PubMed:12782726, PubMed:16890225, PubMed:19147649, PubMed:19939422). Possesses a major beta-carotene hydroxylase activity in planta when depleted in its preferred substrate alpha-carotene (PubMed:22513258). alpha-carotene + O2 + reduced [NADPH--hemoprotein reductase] = alpha-cryptoxanthin + H(+) + H2O + oxidized [NADPH--hemoprotein reductase] O2 + reduced [NADPH--hemoprotein reductase] + zeinoxanthin = H(+) + H2O + lutein + oxidized [NADPH--hemoprotein reductase] No visible phenotype, but lacks lutein and accumulates high levels of zeinoxanthin and beta-xanthophylls. Triple mutant cyp97c1, bch1 and bch2 is paler and smaller than wild-type. Belongs to the cytochrome P450 family. Extended N-terminus.