Separation of β-Factor Synthesis from Stimulated β-Carotene Synthesis in Mated Cultures ofBlakeslea trispora

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Abstract
Mated cultures ofBlakeslea trispora, grown in a potato extract-glucose-thiamine medium, produced 10 to 15 times more β-carotene than either unmated culture. Mated, but not unmated, cultures produced a family of compounds (β factor) which stimulated carotenogenesis in unmated cultures. In fact, carotenogenesis was stimulated sixfold more inminuscultures than inpluscultures. By altering the relative amounts ofplusandminusinocula used in fermentations of mated cultures, it was possible to separate the synthesis of β factor from the synthesis of extra β-carotene. Theplusstrain appeared to produce the β factor; theminusstrain appeared to produce most of the extra β-carotene. Kinetic studies of β-factor formation suggested that physical contact between the two strains may be required to initiate β-factor synthesis.