Biosynthesis of the xanthophyll plectaniaxanthin as a stress response in the red yeast Dioszegia (Tremellales, Heterobasidiomycetes, Fungi)

Plectaniaxanthin, synthesized via lycopene, was the dominant carotenoid in Dioszegia sp. at oxidative stress induced by high aeration or free radical generators whereas its precursor γ-carotene accumulated at reduced aeration.