[Nicotinamide coenzymes at the early stages of light induction of carotenogenesis in the Neurospora crassa mycelium].

Changes in the concentration of NAD+, NADH, NADP+ and NADPH in the mycelium of the NADase free mutant of Neurospora crassa were studied during the latent stage of light induction of carotenogenesis. A 30 minute illumination by visible light brought about a stable decrease in the NADH/NAD+NADH ratio, exerting no effect on the NADPH/NADP+NADPH ratio. At the same time the NADP+/NAD+ ratio increased. These changes occurred only when illumination induced carotenoid accumulation in the N. crassa mycelium.