What are the most well-known genes that have been identified & sequenced to produce carotenoid pigments in various organisms (specially in microalgae and yeast)?
Lycopene is the precursor of carotenoids. As carotenoid production is also linked to secondary metabolism (not common to all species), specific routes are assumed according to a particular group (eg diatoms, dinoflagellates etc.).
You can see more information in a recent review: Article Microalgal Carotenoids: A Review of Production, Current Mark...