Biosynthesis of phycobiliproteins. Incorporation of biliverdin into phycocyanin of the red alga Cyanidium caldarium

Abstract
14C-labeled biliverdin IX.alpha. was administered to cultures of C. caldarium that were actively synthesizing photosynthetic pigments in the light. Between 9 and 12% of the phycobiliprotein chromophore produced in such cultures was derived from exogenous biliverdin. These results demonstrate that biliverdin is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phycobiliproteins.