Biosynthesis of Carotene in Disks of Carrot Root

Abstract

Net synthesis of carotene was demonstrated in disks obtained from carrot roots and grown in test tubes on media containing fructose, glucose or sucrose. Mannitol showed no effect on both growth of the disks and carotene synthesis. Diphenylamine inhibited the synthesis of carotene in the disks in a way somewhat different from that in the case of microorganisms. Although yeast extract stimulated growth of the disks, it showed no effect on carotene synthesis. Addition of possible precursors for carotene synthesis to the medium showed no stimulatory effect except when β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaric acid was added to the medium rich in sucrose.