Oxygen does not directly regulate carotenoid biosynthesis in Rhodopseudomonas capsulata

Abstract

We examined the role of bacteriochlorophyll synthesis on the regulation of carotenoid synthesis in Rhodopseudomonas capsulata. Strains capable of making bacteriochlorophyll accumulated greater amounts of carotenoids under low oxygen than they did under high oxygen. However, strains unable to produce bacteriochlorophyll did not regulate their carotenoid production in response to changes in oxygen tension. This indicates that oxygen does not directly regulate carotenoid production.