Biochemical characterization of crystals from the dermal iridophores of a chameleon Anolis Carolinensis

Abstract

The biochemical characteristics of dermal iridophore crystals from Anolis carolinensis have been investigated, lridophores isolated by collagenase-hyaluronidase treatment were sonicated and their contents fractionated through sucrose. Pure iridophore crystals so obtained were examined by chromatography and electron diffraction. They were found to be pure guanine in hydrated crystalline form. The suggestion is made that the subcrystalline structure of this guanine does not play a role in color production by the iridophore. © 1975, Rockefeller University Press., All rights reserved.