A soluble pigment-protein complex from the shell of Monodonta turbinata (mollusca: Archaeogastropoda)

Abstract

1. 1. A soluble pigment-protein-carbohydrate complex has been obtained from the shell of the trochid Monodonta turbinata. The complex appeared to have a molecular weight of about 12, 000. 2. 2. The complex was greyish-green in colour and showed absorption maxima at 268 and 410 mμ and inflexions at 340 and 630 mμ in distilled water. The 410 mμ chromophore appeared to be acidic with pK about 6·0. 3. 3. The complex gave a permanent violet colour with nitric acid and ferric chloride. 4. 4. A yellow pigment with absorption maxima at 272 and 405 mμ was obtained from the complex. 5. 5. It is suggested that the pigment in the complex is a bilichrysin.