Reaction: 15-cis-phytoene + 2 acceptor = all-trans-ζ-carotene + 2 reduced acceptor (overall reaction)
(1a) 15-cis-phytoene + acceptor = all-trans-phytofluene + reduced acceptor
(1b) all-trans-phytofluene + acceptor = all-trans-ζ-carotene + reduced acceptor
For diagram of reaction click here.
Other name(s): CrtIa; 2-step phytoene desaturase (ambiguous); two-step phytoene desaturase (ambiguous)
Systematic name: 15-cis-phytoene:acceptor oxidoreductase (ζ-carotene-forming)
Comments: The enzyme is involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and catalyses up to two desaturation steps (cf. EC 1.3.99.28 [phytoene desaturase (neurosporene-forming)], EC 1.3.99.30 [phytoene desaturase (3,4-didehydrolycopene-forming)] and EC 1.3.99.31 [phytoene desaturase (lycopene-forming)]).
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number:
References:
1. Iniesta, A.A., Cervantes, M. and Murillo, F.J. Cooperation of two carotene desaturases in the production of lycopene in Myxococcus xanthus. FEBS J. 274 (2007) 4306-4314. [PMID: 17662111]