Mineral in Feather Pigment Turacin

Correct Answer: Copper (Cu)

Turacin is a red porphyrin pigment found in the feathers of the turaco bird (Musophagidae family). It contains copper — making it one of the rare biological pigments that incorporates a metal ion other than iron or magnesium.

Other Copper-Containing Molecules

• Enzymes: Cytochrome oxidase, Uricase, Ceruloplasmin
• Pigment: Turacin (feather), Melanin (skin — tyrosinase is copper-dependent)
• Blood protein: Ceruloplasmin (copper transport protein)

Copper Deficiency Effects

Copper deficiency causes loss of hair/wool pigmentation (depigmentation) because tyrosinase (copper-dependent enzyme) is required for melanin synthesis. This explains why copper-deficient animals develop grey or pale coats.