The neutral carotenoids of 3 phenotypically distinct albino-1 (al- i) strains, a wild type, 2 heterokaryons containing 2 al- i, alleles and 1 heterokaryon containing al- i+al-2 markers were analyzed. All al- i strains and the al- i heterokaryons contained large amounts of phytoene and only traces of higher carotenoids such as ζ-carotene and lycopene which are responsible for the phenotypic variation at this locus (from pure white to lemon yellow). The biochemical lesion for al- i mutants affects phytoene dehydrogenase and enzyme “leakiness” accounts for the gene polymorphism. There is no evidence for interallelic complementation at the al- i locus.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barratt, R. W., D.Newmeyer, D. D.Perkins & L.Garnjobst (1954). Map construction in Neurospora crassa. Adv. Genet. 6: 1–93.
Davies, B. H. (1965). In: T. W. Goodwin (Ed.), Analysis of carotenoid pigments. Academic Press, 489–532.
De LaGuardia, M. G.Aragon, F. J.Murillo & E.Cerda-Olmedo (1971). A carotenogenic enzyme aggregate in Phycomyces-evidence from quantitative complementation. Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. 68: 2012–2015.
Dodge, B. O. (1930). Breeding albinistic strains of the Monilia bread mold. Mycologia 22: 9–38.
Frost, L. C. (1955). The genetics of some wild-type and mutant strains of Neurospora crassa. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. of Cambridge.
Grant, H. (1945). A genetic analysis of the life cycle of Neurospora crassa. M. A. Thesis, Stanford University.
Hungate, M. V. G. (1945). A genetic study of albino mutants of Neurospora crassa. M.A. Thesis, Stanford University.
Nolte, D. J. (1959). The eye-pigmentary system of Drosophila, VII. The White Locus. Heredity (1959) 13: 219–281.
Schroeder, A. L. (1970). Ultraviolet-sensitive mutants of Neurospora. I. Genetic basis and effect on rocombination. Mol. Gen. Genetics 197: 291–304.
Subden, R. E., & S. F. H.Threlkeld (1968). Genetic & complementation studies of a new cartenoid mutant of Neurospora crassa. Can. J. Genet. Cytol. 10: 351–356.
Subden, R. E. & S. F. H.Threlkeld (1969). Some aspects of complementation with carotenogenic al loci in Neurospora crassa. Experientia. 25: 1106–1107.
Subden, R. E. & S. F. H.Threlkeld (1970). Genetic fine structure of the albino (al) region of Neurospora crassa. Genet. Res. 15: 139–146.
Subden, R. E. & G.Turian (1970). Analyse électrophorétique des protéines caroténogènes de Neurospora crassa. Experientia 26: 935–936.
Westergaard, M. & H. K.Mitchell (1947). Neurospora, V. A synthetic medium favouring sexual reproduction. Am. J. Botany 34: 573.
Zalokar, M. (1954). Studies on biosynthesis of carotenoids in Neurospora crassa. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 50: 71.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Subden, R.E., Goldie, A.H. Biochemical analysis of isoallelic series at the al- i locus of Neurospora crassa . Genetica 44, 615–620 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00116816
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00116816