Pheomelanin
Pheomelanin
Pheomelanin (/fiːoʊˈmɛlənɪn/; from the Greek phaios, "dusky") is a type of melanin found in the hair, skin, and eyes of humans and animals. It is responsible for yellow and red hues, and is present in higher quantities in individuals with lighter skin and hair colors.
Etymology
The term "pheomelanin" is derived from the Greek words "phaios," meaning dusky, and "melas," meaning black. This refers to the pigment's role in determining the color of an individual's hair, skin, and eyes.
Function
Pheomelanin is one of two types of melanin produced by melanocytes. The other type is eumelanin, which is responsible for brown and black pigmentation. The balance of these two types of melanin determines an individual's hair, skin, and eye color. Pheomelanin is also believed to play a role in the body's defense against ultraviolet radiation.
Related Terms
- Melanin: The general term for the group of natural pigments found in most organisms.
- Eumelanin: The type of melanin that is responsible for brown and black pigmentation.
- Melanocytes: The cells that produce melanin.
- Ultraviolet radiation: A type of electromagnetic radiation that is present in sunlight and is responsible for tanning and sunburn.
See Also
- Melanogenesis: The process by which melanin is produced.
- Albinism: A group of inherited disorders characterized by little or no melanin production.
- Pigmentation: The coloring of a person's skin, hair, mucous membranes, and retina of the eyes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pheomelanin
- Wikipedia's article - Pheomelanin
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