title: Mutations affecting pigment synthesis in Mycobacterium aurum.
abstract: Pigmentation mutants of Mycobacterium aurum were isolated after chemical mutagenesis. Examination of the pigments extracted from these mutants indicated that at least 15 carotenoids were formed. beta-Carotene was not detected and the major carotene of M. aurum appeared to be leprotene. The possible biosynthetic pathway is discussed on the basis of these results.
mesh_terms: D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007700:Kinetics; D014975:Lutein / Q000096:biosynthesis; D009154:Mutation; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002338:Carotenoids; D014975:Lutein