Carotenoid pigments in the optic cushion of <i>Marthasterias glacialis</i> (L.)

Millott, N.; Vevers, H. G.

doi:10.1017/s002531540002765x

Cited by 13 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…) has not been studied in detail. However, carotenoids and not vitamin A have been isolated from such photosensitive tissue (Millott & Vevers, 1955; Vevers & Millott, 1957) and the action spectra of photic responses is easily explicable on the basis of the occurrence of light-sensitive carotenoproteins, just as has been suggested for the protista (Wald, 1943). It will be interesting to see whether the unidentified photolabile pigments in the eye spots of certain invertebrates (Pershin, 195 I ;Rockstein, 1956) are identified as carotenoproteins or rhodopsin-like pigments.…”

Section: (4) Other Functionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carotenoproteins in Invertebrates

1967

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SUMMARY True carotenoproteins are defined as complexes in which a carotenoid and a protein are in stoichiometric combination. Very few carotenoproteins have been purified, but their presence in extracts may often be presumed from spectroscopic evidence. Carotenoids have been found in stoichiometric association with simple proteins, lipoproteins and glycoproteins. Many lipoproteins also occur in which carotenoids form part of the lipid prosthetic group. Although the relationship between the carotenoid and the remainder of the complex may in these cases not appear to be stoichiometric, it often shows some evidence of selectivity. Carotenoproteins are widely distributed among the invertebrate phyla. They are found mainly in exoskeleton or ectoderm and in eggs and ovaries. Their isolation by standard techniques of protein chemistry is facilitated by their characteristic spectral properties. The ease with which carotenoid prosthetic groups are removed from apoproteins suggests that covalent linkages are not involved in the complex formation. The union of carotenoid with apoprotein has been shown, in at least two cases, to stabilize the carotenoid against photo‐oxidation and the protein against denaturative changes of tertiary structure. In crustacyanin, the carapace pigment of the lobster, there is clear evidence that the carotenoid is responsible for establishing the very complex quaternary structure. Only astaxanthin, astaxanthin esters and canthaxanthin have been unequivocally identified as carotenoid prosthetic groups of true carotenoproteins. Experiments in the specificity of interaction of a series of carotenoids with the apoprotein of crustacyanin have indicated the requirement of one or both of the 4‐ and 4′‐keto groups of the carotenoid for interaction with the protein. It is suggested that, at least in this case, the carotenoid‐protein interaction might occur between carotenoid keto groups and basic residues of the protein in such a way as to provide a lock on the tertiary configuration. Carotenoproteins may participate in a variety of functions including protective coloration, photosensitivity, electron transport and enzymic activity. They appear, furthermore, to play some part in development.

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Section: (4) Other Functionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carotenoproteins in Invertebrates

1967

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“…The animals collected at Millport were preserved there by dipping each in boiling sea water for a minute (which coagulates the protein and fixes the carotenoids in situ) followed by storage in deep-freeze (Fisher, Kon & Thompson, 1952, 1955.…”

Section: Pigments Of the Millport Populationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their marked sensitivity to light and aerial oxidation, and their anatomical position under a light screen in the form of the pigmented integument of the upper arm plate suggests that they may play a role in photo-reception or be associated with a photo-receptor element. The photo-receptor pigments of the asteroid Marthasterias glacialis have been shown to be /J-carotene and astaxanthin ester (Millott & Vevers, 1955). The vertebral pigment spots of O. nigra contain /J-carotene also but not astaxanthin; rather, a pigment resembling mytiloxanthin ester.…”

Section: Quantitative Variationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Colours OfOphiocomina Nigra(Abildgaard): III. Carotenoid Pigments

Fontaine¹

1962

J. Mar. Biol. Ass.

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The red to orange-yellow colours of the ophiuroid, Ophiocomina nigra, are due to carotenoid pigments contained in specialized lipocytes. These cells are dendritic, with their cell bodies located in the dermis below a melanocyte layer and with dendrites approaching, but not penetrating, the epidermis. The lipocytes are either yellow or orange-red.Five principal pigments were detected in addition to two minor constituents, at least one of which may be an artifact. These major pigments are: β-carotene, an acid carotenoid similar to mytiloxanthin, and four xanthophylls of uncertain identity.

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“…The latest papers on Marthasterias glacialis are those of Millott & Vevers (1955) and Vevers & Millott (1957) . The authors studied the presence of carotenoids in various Dr. W. Junk h .v .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%