parietin
Sign in to saveParietin, or physcion, is the predominant cortical pigment of lichens in the genus Caloplaca, a secondary product of the lichen Xanthoria parietina, and a pigment found in the roots of curled dock (Rumex crispus). It has an orange-yellow color and absorbs blue light.
Chemical data
- Formula
- C16H12O5
- Molecular weight
- 284.26 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione
via PubChem
Article
3 sectionsContents
- Effect on human cancer cells
- References
- Further reading
Parietin, or physcion, is the predominant cortical pigment of lichens in the genus Caloplaca, a secondary product of the lichen Xanthoria parietina, and a pigment found in the roots of curled dock (Rumex crispus). It has an orange-yellow color and absorbs blue light.
Parietin has also been shown to protect lichens against UV-B light, at high altitudes in alpine regions. The UV-B light stimulates production of parietin, protecting the lichens from damage. Lichens in arctic regions such as Svalbard retain this capability though they do not encounter damaging levels of UV-B, a capability that could help protect the lichens in case of ozone layer thinning.