Prodigiosin

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Prodigiosin
Identifiers
CAS number	[82-89-3]
PubChem	5351169
MeSH	Prodigiosin
Properties
Molecular formula	C20H25N3O
Molar mass	323.432
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Prodigiosin is the red pigment produced by many strains of the bacterium Serratia marcescens^[1] . Its name is derived from "prodigious" - something marvellous.

[edit] Religious function

The ability of pigmented strains of Serratia marcescens to grow on bread has led to a possible explanation of Medieval transubstantiation miracles, in which Eucharistic bread is converted into the Body of Christ. Such miracles led to Pope Urban IV instituting the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264. This followed celebration of a Mass at Bolsena in 1263, led by a Bohemian priest who had doubts concerning transubstantiation. During the Mass, the eucharist appeared to bleed and each time the priest wiped away the blood, more would appear. This event is celebrated in a fresco in the Pontifical Palace in the Vatican City, painted by Raphael.^[2]

[edit] References

1. ^ Bennett JW, Bentley R (2000). "Seeing red: The story of prodigiosin". Adv Appl Microbiol 47: 1-32. PMID 12876793. 
2. ^ The Mass at Bolsena by Raphael. Vatican Museums. Retrieved on 2006-05-03.