No, melanin is not classified as a polymer. It is a complex biopolymer derived from the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine, forming a heterogeneous group of pigments. While it has polymer-like characteristics due to its large, complex structure, it does not fit the traditional definition of a polymer, which is typically a long chain of repeating units. Melanin's unique structure contributes to its diverse functions in biological systems, such as photoprotection and coloration.
Melanin is the polymer that makes up our hair color. It is produced by melanocytes in the hair follicles and determines the color of hair based on the type and amount of melanin present.
The most common form of biological melanin is eumelanin, a brown-black polymer of dihydroxyindole carboxylic acids, and their reduced forms. All melanins are derivatives of polyacetylene. Most are derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Another common form of melanin is pheomelanin, a cysteine-containing red-brown polymer of benzothiazine units largely responsible for red hair and freckles.
Melanin is not a single compound with a fixed number of protons, neutrons, and electrons like an element would be; rather, it is a complex polymer made up of various molecules. The basic building blocks of melanin include indole and other compounds, which contain different numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons depending on their specific chemical structure. The composition of melanin can vary, but it does not correspond to the simple atomic structure of 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons, which describes a carbon atom.
Melanocytes produce melanin.
melanin v
melanin and carotene Carotene Melanin The chemical is called melanin.
The dark pigment of the body is called melanin. Melanin is responsible for determining the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. It helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun's UV radiation.
Melanin produces skin color.
melanin
Yes, freckles are bunches of melanin.
no it increases melanin
melanin. melanin also determines the color of your eyes. the more melanin, the darker the color.