Biliverdin IX A, Intermediate and End Product of Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis

Abstract

Dark-grown cells of the unicellular rhodophyte Cyanidium caldarium were incubated with 17 mmol/15-aminolevulinic acid in the dark. The excreted pigments were extracted with chloroform and butanol. The presence of biliverdin IX α in the chloroform-extract (besides phycocyanobilin and other pigments) was demonstrated using TLC, HPLC and chromic acid degradation. A pathway leading to phycocyanobilin is discussed. A green pigment from egg shells of Turdus merula (black bird) was also identified as biliverdin IX α with small amounts of protoporphyrin IX, using the same methods as above. © 1982, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.