The present invention is directed to genetic material useful for the preparation of actinol, such as an isolated DNA including a nucleotide sequence coding for an enzyme having levodione reductase activity, a polypeptide encoded by such a DNA, recombinant organisms, and the like. These genetic materials may originate from Corynebacterium, Cellulomonas, Planococcus, Arthrobacter, and the like. The present invention also provides a process for the production of actinol.