PHAEOMELANIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Phaeomelanin is a type of pigment that contributes to the coloration of various biological structures, including hair, skin, and eyes in humans and other animals. It is chemically similar to eumelanin, which is the other primary pigment responsible for coloration. The term "phaeomelanin" is derived from the Greek words "phaeos" meaning dusky or dark, and "melas" meaning black.
Unlike eumelanin, which imparts shades of brown to black coloration, phaeomelanin is responsible for lighter, reddish or yellowish hues. It is synthesized by specialized cells called melanocytes present in the skin and hair follicles. The presence and amount of phaeomelanin determine the range of colors from blonde and red hair to lighter skin tones.
The synthesis of phaeomelanin is regulated by various genetic and environmental factors. Specifically, the expression of genes involved in the production of melanin is responsible for determining the relative amounts of eumelanin and phaeomelanin in the body. Variation in these genes gives rise to the remarkable diversity of hair and skin colors observed among different individuals and populations.
Although phaeomelanin is primarily associated with aesthetic variation, it also plays a role in protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is known to reflect UV rays to some extent, reducing potential damage to the DNA within skin cells. Therefore, phaeomelanin, along with eumelanin, is involved in adaptations to different levels of sun exposure in different human populations.
Common Misspellings for PHAEOMELANIN
- ohaeomelanin
- lhaeomelanin
- 0haeomelanin
- pgaeomelanin
- pbaeomelanin
- pnaeomelanin
- pjaeomelanin
- puaeomelanin
- pyaeomelanin
- phzeomelanin
- phseomelanin
- phweomelanin
- phqeomelanin
- phawomelanin
- phasomelanin
- phadomelanin
- pharomelanin
- pha4omelanin
- pha3omelanin
- phaeimelanin
Etymology of PHAEOMELANIN
The word "phaeomelanin" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "phaeo", meaning dusky or grayish-brown, and "melas" or "melan", meaning black or dark. In the context of skin pigmentation, melanin is a pigment responsible for various shades of brown and black. "Phaeomelanin" specifically refers to the type of melanin that produces yellow to red colors in hair, skin, and eyes.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
