Carotene biosynthesis in fungi

Abstract

Studies on Neurospora crassa and mutants of Phycomyces blakesleeanus have led to a reappraisal of a number of important aspects of carotene biosynthesis. Results obtained from structural investigations, from inhibitor studies and from the use of labelled substrates with carotenogenic extracts of fungal mutants are discussed in the contexts of the stereochemistry, isomerization and dehydrogenation of phytoene, the pathway of carotene cyclization and the feedback control of the biosynthetic pathway. © 1973, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.