Reciprocal Net Site sponsor
   Site Info    |    Search
Common molecules sample 51018 - Reciprocal Net Log in
You will need to download and install a Java plug-in in order to view this applet. Download Sun's Java plug-in from here.

Switch to another visualization applet:

> miniJaMM open in new window...
- JaMM1
- JaMM2
Temperature: 10.0 °C
Common name: Melanin
PDB entry #: 1F9B
Short description: Melanin-the brown-black pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes.
Keyword: pigment
Keyword: antioxidant
Layman's explanation: Where it is found-Melanin is found in the skin, hair and eyes. Melanin is a very complex absorbing material and is produced by melanocytes. It also provides protection against UV and visible light. The compound absorbs light smoothly over a broad spectral range, absorbing the higher energy light more strongly than the lower energy light. An interesting fact about melanin is that it has been shown to be a powerful neutralizing agent for free radicals - molecules which are potentially harmful to the body. In the eye, it occurs in the retinal pigment epithelium - behind the retina - where its antioxidant properties help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Lab name: Common molecules
Sample provider: Obtained from the Protein Data Bank
Status: Complete, visible to public
Basic view...
More visualization options...
See other versions...
Repository Files:
51018.crt 51018.gif 51018.pdb
Reciprocal Net site software 0.9.1-50, copyright (c) 2002-2009, The Trustees of Indiana University
Files and data presented via this software are property of their respective owners.
Reciprocal Net is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation as part of the National Science Digital Library project. NSDL