Summary
A mechanism is proposed which correlates the available genetic, complementation and biochemical evidence for the early 40 carbon polyene steps of carotenogenesis in fungi. Three phases are discussed: substrate interaction, dehydrogenation and cyclization. The primary substrate is phytoene and the secondary ones are the more dehydrogenated or cyclized carotenoids. Dehydrogenation follows the Porter-Lincoln model but cyclization may occur at several branch points. Supporting evidence from Neurospora carotenogenic proteins in light-induced cultures is also presented. Some implications of such a carotenogenic mechanism are discussed.
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Communicated by F. Kaudewitz
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Subden, R.E., Turian, G. A mechanism for carotenoid synthesis in fungi involving a multifunctional enzyme complex. Molec. Gen. Genet. 108, 358–364 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00267773
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00267773