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melonin question

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melonin question

Postby Roan on Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:01 pm

To the point!
How does melonin protect cells from harmfull UV light?

-Roan
I find the biology of lesser spiecies fascenating..... thats why I study humans :twisted:

-Roan
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Postby canalon on Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:03 pm

first it is Melanin.
And second to answer to your question, I think it simply acts as any pigment. Black paint would work the same, but is not produced by the skin ;)
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Postby MrMistery on Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:20 am

melonin is an alkaloid produced by a type of watermelon(no, I'm not joking... it actually exists :lol: )
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Postby mith on Fri Jan 25, 2008 5:11 am

It's opaque to light.
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Postby wheel on Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:17 pm

yes, it should be melanin, not melonin. melanin is a pigment produced by a group of cells known as melanocytes. melanin protect us against harmful uv rays by absorbing them. the more uv rays we r exposed to, the more it has to absorb and the darker our skin will be.

however, don't be assured that u r safe from uv radiation, bcoz too much of it will cause the cancer of melanocytes, which is known as melanoma........ sth like this..... i forgot.... lol
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