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Melanin

Meaning

Melanin is a complex polymer responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes, synthesized by specialized cells called melanocytes. It serves a crucial physiological function by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, thus protecting the underlying cellular DNA from photodamage and oxidative stress. The two main forms are eumelanin, which is dark brown/black, and pheomelanin, which is red/yellow.