Xanthopterin

Xanthopterin
Names
IUPAC name
Xanthopterin
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.932
UNII
Properties
C6H5N5O2
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Xanthopterin is a yellow, crystalline solid[1] that occurs mainly in the wings of butterflies and in the urine of mammals.[1] Small microorganisms convert it into folic acid.[2] It is the end product of a non-conjugated pteridine compound[3] and inhibits the growth of lymphocytes produced by concanavalin.[3] High levels of the chemical were found in patients with liver disease and hemolysis, the latter increasing levels by 35%.[4][5]

The Oriental hornet uses xanthopterin as a light-harvesting molecule to transform light into electrical energy, which explains why the insects are more active when light intensity is greater. It remains an active and important area of scientific research (Plotkin et al., Naturwissenschaften (2010) 97:1067–1076).[6]

References

  1. 1 2 http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?xanthopterin
  2. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  3. 1 2 http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=46271
  4. ↑ "WikiGenes -". WikiGenes - Collaborative Publishing.
  5. ↑ "WikiGenes -". WikiGenes - Collaborative Publishing.
  6. ↑ Walker, Matt (6 December 2010). "Oriental hornets powered by 'solar energy'". BBC.
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