[Tetrapyrroles: diversity, biosynthesis, biotechnology].

Various aspects of metabolism and biotechnology of tetrapyrroles are reviewed. Structures and properties of newly discovered tetrapyrrole pigments, biosynthesis of most important functional tetrapyrroles (hemes, chlorophylls, corrinoids, siroheme, and methanogenesis factor F430), and biotechnological methods of production of porphyrins and corrinoids are discussed. 5-Aminolevulinic acid is shown to be a promising anticancer preparation.