Studies in carotenogenesis. 20. Carotenoids of some species of Chlorobium

Abstract

Chlorobium limicola, C. thisulphatophilum and an unnamed halophilic species produce [gamma]-carotene as the main carotenoid pigment (85% of the total). Rubixanthin also occurs in the first two species (10-15% of the total). Traces of pro-[gamma] -carotene and 3 unidentified pigments also exist; the last may be artifacts. Diphenylamine strongly inhibits the synthesis of [gamma] -carotene and its derivatives, but only slightly stimulates the production of phytoene, phytofluene and [zeta] -carotene.