β-Carotene synthesis in isolated chromoplasts from Narcissus pseudonarcissus.

A system has been established from isolated intact chromoplasts of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers that synthesizes geranylgeraniol, an unknown polyprenoid alcohol, phytoene, and β-carotene from [1-(14)C]isopentenyl pyrophosphate in a good yeild. Long chain pyrophosphates are not accumulated. San 6706 inhibits the dehydrogenation of phytoene, whereas nicotine does not lead to an accumulation of lycopene. Separation and identification of polyprenoid lipids was performed by HPLC. The properties and advantages of the chromoplast system are discussed.