Abstract
The cytochrome spectrum of certain mycobacteria showing a, b, and c components is complicated by 2 absorption bands, one at 624 m[mu] and the other at 570 m[mu], both due to coproporphyrin. Coproporphyrin III tetra-methylester (16 mg.) was isolated from Mycobacterium karlinski (4.8 kg.) by an acetone extraction method. Coproporphyrin is synthesized by the organism. Coproporphyrin could not be extracted from M. phlei and M. ranae. Small quantities were obtained from M. smegmatis and M. stercoris.