(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Melanin

(NOVEMBER-2025)

Melanin tells the tale of how our ancestors survived from Sun’s heavy UV rays 50000 years back.

Melanin is a natural pigment found in most living organisms.
It is present in human and animal skin to varying degrees, and is responsible for your unique eye, hair and skin color.
Melanin is produced within special structures called melanosomes. Melanosomes are found inside melanin-producing pigment cells called melanocytes.

Eumelanin: It is responsible for brown and black shades of hair, skin, and eyes.
Pheomelanin: It produces red or yellow hues — more common in people with red hair or lighter skin.
Neuromelanin: It is found in the brain, and develops from the oxidation of dopamine (a feel good chemical) and noradrenaline(a fight-or-flight hormone).
Melanin-Related Skin Conditions
Vitiligo: It is a condition where the skin loses its pigment-producing cells, leading to white patches.
Albinism: It is a genetic mutation that prevents melanin production, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes.
Hyperpigmentation: Excess melanin causes darker spots or patches, often due to sun exposure or hormones.

Biological Shield: It acts as a biological shield, absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays and thereby protecting the skin from potential skin cancers like melanoma, and various carcinomas
Camouflage and Survival: It helps animals to blend in with their environment via camouflage. This ability is very crucial for both predator and prey.
Thermoregulation: It also helps in thermoregulation, controlling heat loss and generation through mechanisms like sweating.