Melanin is a broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms. Melanin is produced through a multistage chemical process known as melanogenesis, where the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine is followed by polymerization. The melanin pigments are produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes.
Although melanin is usually discussed as a single pigment, there are two types of melanin that contribute to pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes of humans and animals:
- Eumelanin. This pigment is associated with dark tones, such as brown and black.
- Pheomelanin. This pigment is associated with alternate hues, such as red and yellow.
A third type of melanin, called neuromelanin, exists within the human brain and gives pigment to the structures in this area.
Unlike eumelanin and pheomelanin, neuromelanin doesn’t provide pigmentation for human features. Instead, this type of melanin has primarily been studiedTrusted Source for its connection to Parkinson’s disease.
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