[Participation of beta-carotene in antioxidant defense of bacterial cells].

The effect of recombinant beta-carotene on the resistance of E. coli culture to menadione and paraquat was studied. The presence of beta-carotene in the E. coli cell significantly prevented an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase induced by redox mediators but had no effect on the culture growth. The findings suggested the involvement of beta-carotene in the cell defense against oxidative stress.