Melanin (Noun)
Meaning
Insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The amount of melanin present in the skin determines an individual's skin tone, with more melanin resulting in darker skin.
- In birds, melanin is responsible for the wide range of colors and patterns found in their feathers.
- Melanin is also the pigment responsible for the coloration of fish scales, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.
- The production of melanin in the skin is triggered by exposure to sunlight, resulting in tanning.
- A decrease in the production of melanin can result in conditions such as albinism, where the skin, hair, and eyes lack pigmentation.