What is the Difference Between Melanin and Melatonin?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Melanin and melatonin are two distinct substances that serve different purposes in the human body. Here are the key differences between them:
- Purpose: Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin tone, hair color, and eye color, while melatonin is a hormone that regulates the waking and sleeping cycle.
- Origin: Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the skin, while melatonin is produced in the pineal gland deep inside the brain.
- Synthesis: Melanin synthesis occurs in melanosomes found in melanocytes, while melatonin synthesis occurs in the retina.
- Chemical composition: Melanin is a complex polymer derived from the amino acid tyrosine, while melatonin is a hormone.
In summary, melanin is a pigment that determines the color of skin, hair, and eyes, while melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is produced in the pineal gland. Although the terms sound similar, they refer to different substances with distinct functions in the human body.
Comparative Table: Melanin vs Melatonin
Here is a table comparing the differences between melanin and melatonin:
Feature | Melanin | Melatonin |
---|---|---|
Definition | Pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color | Hormone regulating sleep-wake cycle and biological rhythms |
Precursor | Tyrosine | Tryptophan |
Size | Polymer | Small molecule |
Synthesis | Occurs in melanocytes | Synthesized in different tissues of the body |
Storage and Release | Stored in melanocytes, no release occurs | Stored and released from the pineal gland to the bloodstream |
Function | Protects skin, hair, and eye color, and provides protection from UV radiation | Responsible for circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle |
Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color, while melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and biological rhythms in the human body. They have different precursors, sizes, synthesis processes, and functions within the human body.
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