Abstract
1. The photoinduced carotenogenesis of a species of mycobacteria consists of a photoinductive reaction followed by certain metabolic reactions that result in greatly enhanced carotenoid synthesis. 2. The action spectrum of photoinduction was found to have maxima at 365 mμ and 460 mμ, separated by a minimum region at 395 mμ. 3. Evidence presented indicates the photoinductive reaction is a photooxidation. More than one quantum of light is required to induce each bacterium. 4. It is postulated that a compound capable of inducing a carotenogenic enzyme is formed in the bacteria as a result of exposure to light and oxygen. 5. During incubation following photoinduction there is a sequential appearance of the newly synthesized carotenoids. Phytoene and phytofluene are synthesized first, followed by the more highly unsaturated carotenoids. The oxygenated carotenoids are the last pigments to be synthesized. 6. Chloramphenicol is an effective inhibitor of this photoinduced carotenoid synthesis. Addition of chloramphenicol at various intervals of incubation after photo-induction results in a differential inhibition of the synthesis of the various carotenoids. This pattern of inhibition closely resembles the time sequence of appearance of these carotenoids.
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