The second aim of this thesis was to investigate the gene expression of the hypobranchial gland of the Australian muricid Dicathais orbita, in an effort to uncover the enzymes involved in the production of Tyrian purple. The first aim of this thesis was to investigate the evolution of Tyrian purple precursor investment within the egg masses of muricid molluscs using a molecular phylogenetic analysis of 18s and 28s ribosomal RNA sequences. In addition to their production within the hypobranchial gland, some members of the Muricidae invest Tyrian purple precursors within their egg capsules. Brominated indole derivatives of tryptophan, the precursors to Tyrian purple are potent anticancer and antibacterial compounds which may have potential for pharmaceutical development. Tyrian purple is the traditional source of purple pigmentation used in the textile industry since ancient times, sourced from the Muricidae family of neogastropod molluscs.
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