Microorganisms and methods for producing carotenoids and other compounds

A recombinant microorganism comprising one or more modifications with respect to a corresponding microorganism not comprising the one or more modifications, wherein the one or more modifications comprise any one or more of:

• a modification that decreases phytoene synthase (CrtB) activity with respect to the corresponding microorganism;
• a modification that decreases lycopene-forming phytoene desaturase (CrtI) activity with respect to the corresponding microorganism;
• a modification that decreases lycopene cyclase (CrtY) activity with respect to the corresponding microorganism;
• a modification that decreases beta-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ) activity with respect to the corresponding microorganism;
• a modification that decreases 2,2′-beta hydroxylase (CrtG) activity with respect to the corresponding microorganism;
• and
• a modification that increases beta-carotene ketolase (CrtW) activity with respect to the corresponding microorganism.