What is melanin?
Melanin is an organic pigment in the skin from the amino acid tyrosine which is formed by a process called melanogenesis in melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that are located in the seed layer of the skin and are created in the basal layer of the epidermis. They produce this substance in organelles (melanosomes) under the influence of UV radiation and certain elements such as the melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a hormone that is produced by the pituitary in pregnant women during the embryonic period, in very young children and in certain diseases such as melasma. The melanocytes give the melanosomes melanin via are filled with dendrites off to surrounding keratinocytes by means of an as yet unknown way.
After the melanin by the keratinocytes has been recorded, it is transported to the top of the core, where the genetic material (partially) protected against UV-radiation. This prevents mutations and possibly cancer. Nevertheless, an appropriate amount of UV-light is of great importance to man, because in the skin, due to UV radiation, vitamin D is created.
Melanin pigments are complex structures involving many antioxidants can sit covenants, such as beta carotene and coenzyme Q10. At least three different types are formed: the tawny eumelanins, the more reddish feomelaninen in which sulfur-containing compounds are complexed, and the glorious red trichochromen which also contain sulfur.
The amino acid tyrosine is used by the body for much more than just melanin synthesis and can thus easily shoot deficit in the melanin formation.
Melanin is the main ingredient together with mucus in squid ink.
Melanin should not be confused with melamine, an organic base and a component of synthetic resins. Also not be confused with the melatonin, a hormone that is produced in humans in the epiphysis (pineal gland), and, inter alia, an influence on the sleep rhythm.