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Flavin
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Also called:
Lyochrome
Key People:
Paul Karrer
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Flavin

biology
Also known as: lyochrome
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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•History

Flavin, any of a group of pale-yellow, greenly fluorescent biological pigments (biochromes) widely distributed in small quantities in plant and animal tissues. Flavins are synthesized only by bacteria, yeasts, and green plants; for this reason, animals are dependent on plant sources for them, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), the most prevalent member of the group.