Resumen de Biology of the Blues: The Snails behind the Ancient Dyes
Three species of marine snails were used in the ancient Mediterranean dye industry. Colorless dye precursors, sulfur-containing indole derivatives, are secreted by the hypobranchial gland of these animals. The several functions of this gland and other aspects of the lives of the snails that are interesting and relevant to the dye industry are described and the chemistry of dye production is summarized.
