Structural basis of blue-colour development in flower petals from Commelina communis
Article Abstract:
The structure of commelinin, a blue plant pigment, has been determined using X-ray crystallographic analysis. Commelinin, which belongs to the anthocyanin group of pigments, is present in the blue flowers of the plant Commelina communis. The crystalline form of commelinin indicates that the blue in the plant's petals derives from the 4'-keto anhydrobase anion of the anthocyanidin nucleus and that this anion is made stable by metal complexing to Mg2+, which is produced by powerful molecular association.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Cause of blue petal colour
Article Abstract:
The blue color of the petals of Ipomoea tricolor is caused by the very high vascular pH in the petals. The blue color in petals of flowers is usually caused by metal complexation or vascular pH or both. The vascular pH is influenced by the quinonoidal anion of anthocyanin, called anhydrobase.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Colour-enhancing protein in blue petals
Article Abstract:
Issues are presented concerning the mechanism which the purple-flowering Japanese morning-glory plant uses for the coloration of its vividly coloured petals. The production of anthocyanins to colour petals is discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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