Enzymic synthesis of papiliochrome II, a yellow pigment in the wings of papilionid butterflies

Abstract

A crude enzyme fraction, prepared from the left colleterial gland of the praying mantis, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis, had polyphenoloxidase activity and hydroxylated the side chain β-carbon of N- acyldopamine . This fraction catalyzed the synthesis of papiliochrome II, when incubated with N-β- alanyldopamine and l-kynurenine. Other enzyme preparations obtained from the silk and pupal cuticle of the Japanese giant silkmoth, Dictyoploca japonica, also had these activities.