Melanin: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Oct. 10, 2026

Photos and Videos

Microscope image of the basal layer of skin epidermis showing numerous melanocytes along the border, packed with brown melanin granules against a background of pink-stained tissue.

Two light-colored and two dark melanic peppered moths (Biston betularia) rest on a textured, two-toned tree trunk, demonstrating camouflage and industrial melanism.

Study how melanocytes produce skin-darkening melanin and the dangers of long exposure to sunlight

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Topics

industrial melanism oculocutaneous albinism albinism vitiligo freckle biochrome Porphyrin Flavonoid Carotenoid Visual pigment Ommochrome Bilin Sclerotin Flavin chromatophore

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