Styrylpyrone biosynthesis in Polyporus hispidus: I. Action spectrum and photoregulation of pigment and enzyme formation

Low energies of white light (5·10⁴ ergs/cm²) were found to be effective at inducing styrylpyrone biosynthesis in the fungus, Polyporus hispidus. Action spectrum studies showed that the system responded to light of 380 and 440 nm. Light initiated a sequential increase in activity of enzymes involved in styrylpyrone biosynthesis prior to appearance of pigment. Cycloheximide blocked light induced styrylpyrone biosynthesis and p-coumarate hydroxylase activity. Inhibitors of RNA synthesis had no apparent effect.