Mutant of the yeast Saccharomycopsis lipolytica that accumulates and excretes protoporphyrin IX

The red, water-insoluble pigment excreted by a mutant strain of the yeast Saccharomycopsis lipolytica is shown to be protoporphyrin IX. In genetic crosses the red phenotype has the properties characteristic of a defect in a single, recessive nuclear gene. The yield and ease of harvest of protoporphyrin IX from the yeast mutant indicate that this strain or its derivatives may be a valuable source of this substance. (U.S.)