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Biosynthesis of the pigments of life: formation of the macrocycle

Nature volume 285, pages 17–21 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

The organic nuclei of chlorophylls, haems, cytochromes and vitamin B12 are biosynthesised from a single tetrapyrrolic intermediate which has an unexpected, rearranged structure. The mechanism of biosynthesis of this key intermediate has now been characterised in detail. Some of the information thereby obtained is also of use in the investigation of human diseases such as the porphyrias.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Chemical Laboratory, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK

    Alan R. Battersby, Christopher J. R. Fookes, George W. J. Matcham & Edward McDonald

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  1. Alan R. Battersby
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  2. Christopher J. R. Fookes
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  3. George W. J. Matcham
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  4. Edward McDonald
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Battersby, A., Fookes, C., Matcham, G. et al. Biosynthesis of the pigments of life: formation of the macrocycle. Nature 285, 17–21 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/285017a0

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