Ethanol increases carotenoid production in Phaffia rhodozyma.
Addition of ethanol (0.2%) to cultures of the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma increased the specific rate of carotenoid production [(carotenoid)(cell mass)-1(time)-1]. The incremental increase in carotenoid synthesis with ethanol was highest in carotenoid-hyperproducing strains. Ethanol increased carotenoid production when it was added at various points during the lag and active growth phases. Ethanol increased alcohol dehydrogenase and hydroxy-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activities. Our results indicate that increased carotenoid production by ethanol is associated with induction of HMG-CoA reductase and possibly activation of oxidative metabolism.
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W L
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Department of Food Microbiology and Toxicology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706, USA.
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G H
GH
Johnson
E A
EA
D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015003:Yeasts / Q000378:metabolism*
D002338:Carotenoids; D000431:Ethanol; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase