The Biosynthetic Pathway of Astaxanthin in a Green AlgaHaematococcus pluvialisas Indicated by Inhibition with Diphenylamine

摘要

The effect of diphenylamine on astaxanthin biosynthesis inHaematococcus pluvialiswas studied. Cultures induced to produce astaxanthin accumulated rβ-carotene in the presence of the inhibitor. It was found that 30μM diphenylamine specifically inhibits the biosynthesis of astaxanthin at the step of conversion of rβ-carotene to echinenone and canthaxanthin. The results imply that these two compounds are genuine intermediates in the pathway of astaxanthin biosynthesis inH. pluvial