Melanin (/ ˈmɛlənɪn / ⓘ; from Ancient Greek μέλας (mélas) 'black, dark') is a family of biomolecules organized as oligomers or polymers, which among other functions provide the pigments of many organisms. [1] Melanin pigments are produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes.

Mar 29, 2022 · What is melanin? Melanin is a complex polymer that originates from the amino acid tyrosine. Melanin is present in human and animal skin to varying degrees, and is responsible for your unique eye, hair and skin color.

Jan 28, 2025 · Melanin deficiency refers to a lack of a bodily substance responsible for the pigmentation of hair, skin, eyes, and other body parts. In addition to providing pigmentation, melanin plays an important role in protecting cells from harmful ultraviolet light rays.

Oct 10, 2023 · Melanin gives color, or pigment, to your skin, eyes, and hair. It also helps keep your cells safe from sun damage by soaking up UV rays that can be dangerous at high levels.

Apr 29, 2021 · Melanin is a substance that melanocytes produce in the skin surface, which results in skin pigment. Each person will have a different amount of melanin in their skin.

Feb 11, 2021 · Not only does melanin provide pigmentation for human skin, hair, and eyes, it also provides protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. In this article, we’ll dive into what...

May 1, 2023 · Melanin is a term used to describe a large group of related molecules responsible for many biological functions, including pigmentation of skin and hair and photoprotection of skin and eye.

Melanin is a dark biological pigment (biochrome) occurring in the skin, hair, feathers, scales, eyes, and some internal membranes of humans and other animals. It is formed as an end product during metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine.

Feb 24, 2020 · What does melanin do? In nature, melanin serves diverse functions that range from camouflage and protection to energy harvesting. As pigments, melanins affect visual perception by enhancing or decreasing visual communication (think peacock feathers and chameleons, respectively).

Apr 17, 2023 · Melanin is a skin pigment. It occurs in both humans and animals, and is what makes hair, skin, and eyes appear darker. Research has found that melanin may help protect …