What is melanin?

• A. A protein that strengthens hair.
• B. A mineral that forms bones.
• C. The pigment that gives color to skin and hair.
• D. A molecule that stores energy.

Answer: (C)

Melanin is the pigment that gives color to skin and hair. It’s produced by specialized cells called melanocytes in the skin and hair follicles, and its amount and type determine how dark or light someone’s color appears. Melanin is made from the amino acid tyrosine through enzymatic steps, and more melanin also helps shield skin from ultraviolet radiation by absorbing UV light. This explains why skin and hair color vary among people and can darken somewhat with sun exposure. It’s not a protein, a mineral, or an energy-storing molecule, which is why describing it as the pigment that gives color to skin and hair is the correct characterization.