The role of carotene and lutein in photosynthesis is to absorb and transmit light energy and protect chlorophyll. Carotene and lutein (collectively referred to as carotenoids) can transfer the absorbed light energy to the special state of chlorophyll A for conversion into light energy. Therefore, they are called "antenna pigments" together with lutein. In addition, carotenoids also have the function of protecting chlorophyll.

Carotenoids are commonly found in yellow, orange-red or red pigments in animals, higher plants, fungi, and algae. Carotenoids are the main source of vitamin A in the body and also have antioxidant, immune modulation, anti-cancer, anti-aging and other effects.

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When discoverers of new carotenoids name new carotenoids, they generally choose those that reflect their origin or characteristics (such as maximum absorption wavelength) name. Therefore, people call the pigment from carrots carotene, the pigment from violets as "violaxanthin", and the main pigment from seaweed as fucoxanthin.

These names can be called the customary names of carotenoids. Historically, because there was often a delay of many years between the first isolation of a carotenoid and the determination of its structure, there was little choice but to use its customary name.

Even after people understand its structure, many researchers are still reluctant to give up using its customary names. This is mainly because these customary names are familiar and short, making them easy to use in daily life.