Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing zeaxanthin, ?-carotene, or lycopene, comprising inducing mutation in a carotenoid-producing microorganism in which the base sequence of DNA corresponding to 16S ribosomal RNA is substantially homologous to the base sequence described in SEQ ID NO: 1; screening for a mutant strain having a high product proportion of zeaxanthin, ?-carotene, or lycopene to the whole production amount of carotenoids to provide a microorganism producing zeaxanthin, ?-carotene, or lycopene; culturing the mutant microorganism; and harvesting zeaxanthin, ?-carotene, lycopene or a carotenoid mixture containing the same from the resultant culture.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing cantlhaxanithin, which is inexpensive, stably provided, and highly safe. This method comprises steps of: inducing mutation in astaxanthin-producing microorganisms in which the nucleotide sequence of DNA corresponding to its 16S ribosomal RNA is substantially homologous to the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; obtaining canthaxanthin-producing microorganisms by selecting a mutant having a higher ratio of canthaxanthin produced (% by mass) relative to the total amount of carotenoid produced than that of a parent strain; and recovering canthaxanthin or a carotenoid mixture comprising canthaxanthin from the culture product of the canthaxanthin-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention provides novel genes encoding enzymes which decompose difficult-to-decompose thiophene compounds. By using these genes, sulfur atoms can be released from the thiophene compounds in fossil fuel such as petroleum, and the diffusion of sulfur into the environment caused by the combustion of the fossil fuel can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention provides novel genes encoding enzymes which decompose difficult-to-decompose thiophene compounds. By using these genes, sulfur atoms can be released from the thiophene compounds in fossil fuel such as petroleum, and the diffusion of sulfur into the environment caused by the combustion of the fossil fuel can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention provides novel genes encoding enzymes which decompose difficult-to-decompose thiophene compounds. By using these genes, sulfur atoms can be released from the thiophene compounds in fossil fuel such as petroleum, and the diffusion of sulfur into the environment caused by the combustion of the fossil fuel can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention provides novel genes encoding enzymes which decompose difficult-to-decompose thiophene compounds. By using these genes, sulfur atoms can be released from the thiophene compounds in fossil fuel such as petroleum, and the diffusion of sulfur into the environment caused by the combustion of the fossil fuel can be prevented.