Studies in carotenogenesis. 3. Identification of the minor polyene components of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus and a study of their synthesis under various cultural conditions

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Abstract
Phytofluene, gamma-carotene, zeta-carotene, neurosporene and lycopene occur in P. blakesleeanus, in addition to alpha- and beta-carotene already recorded. They represent 2.0, 0.85, 0.35, 0.6 and 0.6%, respectively, of the total polyenes present. Phytoene is also probably present. A red pigment, not a carotenoid, occurs in about 2% of the mycelia examined; the reason for its sporadic appearance is unknown. Unidentified unsaponifiable materials include a substance with an absorption band at 255 m[mu], associated with phytoene, and a small group of 4 fluorescent substances adsorbed on alumina between phytoene and phytofluene. Variations in the cultural conditions which alter the amt. of beta-carotene synthesized affect the synthesis of the other component polyenes equally. Addition of diphenylamine (1/40,000) to the media almost completely inhibits the production of the most unsaturated carotenoids (alpha., beta- and gamma-carotene and lycopene), while stimulating the production of the more saturated components phytofluene, zeta-carotene, neurosporene and possibly phytoene. Ascobolus furfuraceous and Nectria cinnabarina when cultured on liquid media do not synthesize polyenes. Diphenylamine has no effect on the unsaponifiable fraction of these fungi.