Answer to Question #116243 in Genetics for lele jonson

Question

What role do you suspect melanin plays based on this information?

Answer 1

Melanins are pigments that have an irregular structure and complex chemical composition. Depending on the chemical structure, they are divided into eumelanin, pheomelanin and allomelanin. Melanins are found in the skin, hair, iris, secreted ink of cephalopods, etc. Melanin in the skin of vertebrates is produced by specialized cells - melanocytes. They determine the colour of the skin and hair, feathers, fish scales, cuticles of insects, etc. Melanin is one of the most powerful antioxidants. The main function of melanins is to absorb ultraviolet rays and thereby protect the tissues of the deeper layers of the skin from radiation damage.