On the Partly Reduced Coenzyme Q Isolated from “Rhodotorula lactosa” IFO 1058 and Its Relation to the Taxonomic Position

Abstract

From the intact cells of “Rhodotorula lactosa” R1 (IFO 1058), a new coenzyme Q, which has a different mobility on paper chromatograms from other five naturally occurring homologs of the coenzyme Q series, was isolated and purified as a crystalline state. The chemical analyses such as UV and IR absorption spectrophotometries, and NMR and mass spectrometries revealed that the material, mp 28.7_??_28.9°C, was identified as a Co Q₁₀ derivative with the reduced C₅ unit in the isoprenoid side chain terminal remote from the quinone nucleus, Co Q₁₀ (H-10). The strain R 1 with such a unique coenzyme Q system is, concerning its taxonomic position, discussed in connection with other criteria.