THE OCCURRENCE OF PORPHYRIN IN THE PLANARIAN

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Porphyrin was extracted from the water-insoluble residue of homogenates of the planarian, Dugesia dorotocephala. The porphyrin extract is characterized by a red fluorescence under UV light (3660 A). The solubility properties of the porphyrin, the absorption spectra of the prophyrin and its methyl ester, and paper chromatographic behavior show similarity to those described for uroporphyrin. The whole planarian emits a red fluorescence under UV light if the animal is first immersed in one of several organic solvents which remove a lipochrome or carotenoid substance. The light sensitivity which has often been described for these animals may to some degree be due to the presence of the porphyrin.