| abstract |
The present invention relates to a gene useful in a process to increase the microbial production of carotenoids. The carotenoids astaxanthin is distributed in a wide variety of organisms such as animals, algae and microorganisms. It has a strong antioxidation property against reactive oxyg en species. Astaxanthin is used as a coloring reagent, especially in the indust ry of farmed fish, such as salmon, because astaxanthin imparts distinctive oran ge- red coloration to the animals and contributes to consumer appeal in the marketplace. |