The biosynthesis of prodigiosin, the tripyrrylmethene pigment from Bacillus prodigiosus ( Serratia marcescens )

Abstract

By investigating the biosynthesis of prodigiosin, the only known naturally occurring tripyrrylmethene, we hoped not only to elucidate this process for its own sake, but also to study it as a possible intermediate or side reaction in the biosynthesis of porphyrins (Rimington, 1949). A preliminary communication on this subject has already appeared (Hubbard & Rimington, 1949).