Biosynthesis of phycobiliproteins. Incorporation of biliverdin into phycocyanin of the red alga Cyanidium caldarium.

Abstract

14C-labelled biliverdin IX alpha was administered to cultures of Cyanidium caldarium that were actively synthesizing photosynthetic pigments in the light. Between 9 and 12% of the phycobiliprotein chromophore produced in such cultures was derived from exogenous biliverdin. These results demonstrate that biliverdin is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phycobiliproteins.