Mutants of the Carotenoid Biosynthetic Pathway of Mucor circinelloides

Navarro, E., Sandmann, G., and Torres-Martı́nez, S. 1995. Mutants of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway of Mucor circinelloides. Experimental Mycology 19, 186-190. We have isolated and characterized a number of mutants affected in the biosynthesis of β-carotene in the fungus Mucor circinelloides. Mutants were obtained after mutagenesis with N -methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine or ultraviolet radiation. Carotene analysis and determination of in vitro activity for synthesis of prenyl pyrophosphates confirm that we have obtained mutants for all enzymatic steps from farnesyl pyrophosphate to β-carotene and regulatory mutants affecting total production of carotenes and light regulation.