Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
melanin
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
Melanin Industrial melanism
Study how melanocytes produce skin-darkening melanin and the dangers of long exposure to sunlight
Melanin
Melanin Basal layer of the skin epidermis, showing numerous melanocytes containing dark melanin granules.

melanin

biological pigment
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

melanin, a dark biological pigment (biochrome) occurring in the skin, hair, feathers, scales, eyes, and some internal membranes of humans and other animals. Melanin is formed as an end product during metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine. The pigment is conspicuous in dark skin moles of humans; in the black dermal melanocytes (pigment cells) of most dark-skinned peoples; and as brown diffuse spots in the epidermis. It is also found in the peritoneum of many...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content

Unsubscribe Anytime!

Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile