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The Colours of Ophiocomina Nigra (Abildgaard): II. The Occurrence of Melanin and Fluorescent Pigments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

A. R. Fontaine
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, Oxfordcor1corresp
*

Extract

The ophiuroid, Ophiocomina nigra, displays a colour variation ranging from black to yellow-orange. The pigment responsible for the dark colours has been studied histochemically and by means of chemical techniques applied to extracts. The solubility, oxidation-reduction, fluorescence and other chemical properties of this pigment indicate that it is a true melanin. The visible colour of die melanin depends upon its oxidation state in the integument. Fully oxidized pigment is dark brown; partially reduced pigment is fawn coloured.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1962

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