Biliverdin 1852611 212550418 2008-05-15T07:03:56Z Arcadian 104523 nav {{Chembox new | ImageFile = Biliverdin3.svg | ImageSize = | IUPACName = | OtherNames = | Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers | CASNo = 114-25-0 | PubChem = 251 | SMILES = | MeSHName = Biliverdin }} | Section2 = {{Chembox Properties | Formula = C<sub>33</sub>H<sub>34</sub>N<sub>4</sub>O<sub>6</sub> | MolarMass = 582.646 | Appearance = | Density = | MeltingPt = | BoilingPt = }} | Section3 = {{Chembox Hazards | Solubility = | MainHazards = | FlashPt = | Autoignition = }} }} '''Biliverdin''' is a green [[pigment]] formed as a byproduct of [[heme]] breakdown. It consists of four linearly connected [[pyrrole]] rings (a [[tetrapyrrole]]). Biliverdin is formed when a [[heme]] prosthetic group is cleaved at its α-[[methine]] bridge. The resulting water-soluble biliverdin (C<sub>33</sub>H<sub>34</sub>N<sub>4</sub>O<sub>6</sub>) is then converted to [[bilirubin]] (C<sub>33</sub>H<sub>36</sub>N<sub>4</sub>O<sub>6</sub>) by [[biliverdin reductase]] in macrophages of the [[reticuloendothelial system]]. The changing color of a [[bruise]] from deep purple to yellow over time is a graphical indicator of this reaction. Biliverdin is also present in the [[bile]] juice which is secreted by the [[liver]] and also imparts color to the bile juice. The green-blooded [[skink]]s of the genus ''[[Prasinohaema]]'' possess such high (and would otherwise be toxic) levels of biliverdin in their blood that their tissues are colored a bright green. ==External links== [[Tetrapyrroles]] <br style="clear: both;" /> [[Category:Pigments]] [[Category:Tetrapyrroles]] {{biochem-stub}} {{heterocyclic-stub}} {{Heme metabolism intermediates}} [[de:Biliverdin]] [[it:Biliverdina]] [[lt:Biliverdinas]] [[fi:Biliverdiini]]