The effect of CPTA analogs and other nitrogenous compounds on the biosynthesis of carotenoids in Phycomyces blakesleeanus mutants

The inhibitory effect of a series of analogs of CPTA, 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine-HCl, and ammonia derivatives on carotenoid biosynthesis in Phycomyces blakesleeanus mutants was studied. The types of inhibition exhibited allowed no firm conclusions about the biosynthetic route to β-carotene from either β-zeacarotene or lycopene. However, the evidence suggests at present that both pathways are operative. It was found that a slight change in structure of inhibitor resulted in a different type of action. Conclusions based on a single inhibitor could be cited as “evidence” for a certain pathway.