The Carotenoids of Corynebacterium fascians Strain 2 Y

Abstract

An analysis of the carotenoids of C. fascians, strain 2 Y, showed the presence of 13 fractions. The main pigments identified were [beta]-carotene, a [beta]-carotene-like fraction, (possibly [beta]-isorenieratene), leprotene, a mono-hydroxy pigment, P 450, a 2nd xanthophyll, P 452 and a glucoside of hydroxy-chlorobactene. The minor constituents were identified as phytoene, phytofluene, [beta]-zeacarotene, neurosporene, [zeta]-carotene, lycopene and either [gamma]-carotene or chlorobactene. The P 452 forms a purple derivative with an absorption maximum at 560 m[mu] in the presence of Ca salts which can be converted to the original P 452 form by treatment with traces of acid or alkali. The total carotenoid content of the organisms is estimated at between 0. 5 and 0. 6 mg carotenoid/g dry weight of organism.