Xanthopterin

Xanthopterin
Names
IUPAC name
Xanthopterin
Identifiers
CAS Number
  • 119-44-8 ☒N
3D model (JSmol)
  • Interactive image
ChemSpider
  • 8091 checkY
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.932 Edit this at Wikidata
PubChem CID
  • 8397
UNII
  • V66551EU1R checkY
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
  • DTXSID70152282 Edit this at Wikidata
InChI
  • InChI=1S/C6H5N5O2/c7-6-10-4-3(5(13)11-6)9-2(12)1-8-4/h1H,(H,9,12)(H3,7,8,10,11,13) checkY
    Key: VURKRJGMSKJIQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1S/C6H5N5O2/c7-6-10-4-3(5(13)11-6)9-2(12)1-8-4/h1H,(H,9,12)(H3,7,8,10,11,13)
  • O=C1/N=C(\NC=2/N=C\C(=O)NC1=2)N
Properties
Chemical formula
 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
Chemical compound

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]

It was suggested, without direct proof, that 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 controversial area of scientific research (Plotkin et al., Naturwissenschaften (2010) 97:1067–1076).[6]

References

  1. ^ a b http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?xanthopterin [dead link]
  2. ^ "Definition of xanthopterin - Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary". Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Qujeq, Durdi; Ahmadi, Homayoun (2001). "Determination of Xanthopterin in Patients with Renal Insufficiency". American Journal of Nephrology. 21 (4): 340–342. doi:10.1159/000046271. PMID 11509808. S2CID 46502262.
  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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