The melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin.
Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color. It's also what protects our skin from harmful UV rays from the sun.
Melanin is produced in specialized cells called melanocytes, which are found in the basal layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of our skin.
Melanocytes contain organelles called melanosomes, which are responsible for synthesizing and storing melanin.
When exposed to sunlight, melanocytes increase melanin production, leading to a tan. This is a protective mechanism to shield the skin from further sun damage.
There are different types of melanin, including eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow), which contribute to the diverse range of skin, hair, and eye colors we see in humans.
