Chemistry Sarcoscypha coccinea

near llandegfan, north wales

the red color of fruit bodies caused 5 types of carotenoid pigments, including plectaniaxanthin , β-carotene. carotenoids lipid-soluble , stored within granules in paraphyses. british-canadian mycologist arthur henry reginald buller suggested pigments in fruit bodies exposed sun absorb of sun s rays, raising temperature of hymenium—hastening development of ascus , subsequent spore discharge.

lectins sugar-binding proteins used in blood typing, biochemical studies , medical research. lectin has been purified , characterized s. coccinea fruit bodies can bind selectively several specific carbohydrate molecules, including lactose.