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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
11:02
Use of Arabidopsis eceriferum Mutants to Explore Plant Cuticle Biosynthesis
Published on: May 31, 2008
Summary
The pigment in cedar waxwing feathers is astacene, an oxidation product of astaxanthin. This finding reveals the chemical basis for the feather coloration in this bird species.
Area of Science:
- Avian biology
- Biochemistry
- Coloration science
Background:
- The secondary feathers of the cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) exhibit unique pigmentation.
- Understanding the chemical composition of avian feather pigments is crucial for evolutionary and ecological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the chemical structure of the pigment responsible for the coloration of cedar waxwing secondary feathers.
- To determine the relationship between this pigment and known carotenoids.
Main Methods:
- Alkali extraction of the feather pigment.
- Chromatographic analysis for separation and identification.
- Spectrophotometric analysis for characterizing the pigment's optical properties.
Main Results:
- The pigment was successfully extracted from the feather's amorphous layer.
- Analysis identified the pigment as astacene (3,3',4,4'-tetra-keto-beta-carotene).
- Astacene was confirmed as an oxidation product of astaxanthin.
Conclusions:
- The pigment in cedar waxwing secondary feathers is astacene.
- This pigment originates from the oxidation of astaxanthin, providing insight into carotenoid metabolism in birds.
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