The biosynthetic pathway of phycocyanobilin begins with 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Two molecules of 5-ALA undergo a condensation reaction catalyzed by Porphobilinogen (PBG) Synthase to yield a molecule of Porphobilinogen (PBG) (not shown).  Four molecules of PBG are polymerized into a linear tetrapyrrole by Porphobilinogen deaminase. This reaction releases four ammonia molecules in the process. Completion of the tetrapyrrole is performed by Uroporphyrinogen III synthase which results in the macrocyclic Uroporphyrinogen III. Uroporphyrinogen III is then converted to a Heme by a Uroporphyrinogen III decarboxylase. The heme molecule is converted to Biliverdin IX α. Biliverdin is then finally reduced to Phycocyanobilin (PCB) by the Phycocyanin Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase PcyA. Literature circa 1989 includes phytochromobilin as an intermediate in this final conversion.