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Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation01:19

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The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
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The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
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In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
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Bird Integumentary Melanins: Biosynthesis, Forms, Function and Evolution.

Ismael Galván1, Francisco Solano2

  • 1Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain. galvan@ebd.csic.es.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 13, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review explores bird melanins, focusing on their formation, structure, and function in plumage. Understanding these pigments aids in reconstructing extinct animal colors and studying avian evolution.

Keywords:
avian melaninseumelaninmelanogenesispheomelanin

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Biochemistry
  • Paleontology

Background:

  • Melanins are vital pigments in nature, providing coloration in living organisms.
  • Birds exhibit remarkable melanin-based coloration in plumage and integument.
  • Recent interest in melanin granules aids in inferring extinct animal colors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics of avian melanins.
  • To present updated views on melanin granule formation and nature.
  • To discuss the functions of melanin in bird feathers and evolutionary drivers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of avian melanogenesis.
  • Analysis of melanin molecular structure (eumelanin and pheomelanin).
  • Discussion of genetic and environmental factors influencing melanin production.

Main Results:

  • Detailed presentation of eumelanin and pheomelanin structures and formation.
  • Exploration of melanin's role in avian feather coloration and function.
  • Insights into the evolution of pheomelanin-based traits in birds.

Conclusions:

  • Avian melanins are complex pigments with diverse functions.
  • Understanding melanogenesis is crucial for avian biology and paleontology.
  • Birds serve as key models for studying pigment evolution and signaling.