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The Iron and Magnesium Branches of the Porphyrin Biosynthetic Pathway

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Chlorophyll Biosynthesis and Technological Applications

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Abstract

Protoporphyrin IX is a branching point for heme and Chl biosynthesis. Insertion of ferrous iron into Proto leads to the formation of protoheme (Fig. 6.1), while insertion of Mg into the Proto macrocycle, leads to the formation of Mg-proto which is the precursor of all Mg-porphyrins and Chls in nature (see below).

In 1844 Verdiel, suggested a relationship between chlorophyll and heme upon chemical conversion of chlorophyll to a red pigment.

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  1. Rebeiz Foundation for Basic Research, Champaign, IL, USA

    Constantin A. Rebeiz

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Rebeiz, C.A. (2014). The Iron and Magnesium Branches of the Porphyrin Biosynthetic Pathway. In: Chlorophyll Biosynthesis and Technological Applications. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7134-5_6

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