Melanin

Concept

It is the main pigment found in our skin.

It is made of a mixture of polimers synthesized by melanocytes.

Melanin is stored in globules called melanosomes.

The melanocytes transfer the melanosomes to the keratinocytes. In them, the melanosomes are placed surrounding the nucleus, therefore protecting the DNA from sun damage.

Comments

Differences in the color of the skin between individuals are mainly due to the amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes, to the type of melanin, and to the shape and distribution of the melanosomes.