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melanin

(Science: protein) pigments largely of animal origin. High molecular weight polymers of indole quinone. Colours include black/brown, yellow, red and violet. Found in feathers, cuttle ink, human skin, hair and eyes and in cellular immune responses and wound healing in arthropods. Insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers.A pigment found in [[ melanophores that control eye, hair and skin colour depending on the [[genotype and external environment of the organism (which can alter the colour of the eyes, hair and skin).