The Effects of Light on Carotenogenesis, Growth, and Sporulation of Syzygites megalocarpus

Abstract

Syzygites megalocarpus produced 3 pigments in culture which were tentatively indentified as beta-carotene, gamma-carotene, and lycopene. Continuous light (100 ft c) increased carotenogenesis and decreased growth. Zygospores were readily formed when the media contained 80 or 160 g/liter of glucose when the cultures received alternating light (8 10 ft c) and darkness, and in continuous darkness when the medium contained 40 g/liter of glucose. Sporangia did not form in continuous light or in darkness or in darkness followed by light. A period of light followed by a period of darkness was essential for sporangium formation.