Bacteriopurpurin
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Bacteriopurpurin is a red or purple pigment found in a diverse group of sulfur bacteria that often color natural waters. These purple bacteria play a significant role in the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide and exhibit positive phototropism.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BACTERIOPURPURIN, a pigment that imparts a beautiful red, most often purple, color to a large group of sulfur bacteria that are morphologically extremely diverse. Masses of these purple bacteria cause the bright red color of the so-called "red seas" and are usually found in water containing a large amount of H2S, in the oxidation of which the purple sulfur bacteria play a major role. According to Molisch, it is easy to obtain a culture of purple bacteria by adding some organic substance to the water. Purple bacteria possess positive phototropism, gathering on the illuminated side of the vessel.
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“Bacteriopurpurin.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/bacteriopurpurin/