Melanogenesis

Question 1

Melanocyte

Answer 1

dendritic cell that sits in the basal layer of the epidermis and transfers pigment to keratinocytes in the form of pigment granules called melanosomes

Question 2

Eumelanin

Answer 2

brown-black polymer of dihydroxyindole carboxylic acids and their reduced forms

Question 3

Pheomelanin

Answer 3

a red-brown of benzothiazine units largely responsible for red hair and freckles

Question 4

Basis of melanogenesis

Answer 4

if tyrosinase activity is low relative to cysteine levels, then pheomelanogenesis proceeds; if tyrosinase activity is high, or cysteine levels low, then eumelanogenesis

Question 5

What modulates melanin synthesis?

Answer 5

the opposite action of two intercellular signaling molecules, alpha melanocyte signaling hormone, and agouti protein