pigmentácia

Pigmentácia is a biological process that gives color to an organism's tissues, such as skin, hair, and eyes. The primary pigments responsible for these colors are melanin, carotenoids, and hemoglobin. Melanin, produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, is the most common pigment in humans and animals, responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Its production is influenced by genetics and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Carotenoids are pigments found in plants and animals, often contributing to yellow, orange, and red hues in fruits, vegetables, and animal tissues like egg yolks and flamingo feathers. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for the red color of blood and also plays a role in skin tone, particularly in lighter-skinned individuals. Variations in pigmentácia can lead to different appearances and can also be indicators of health status or environmental adaptations. For instance, increased melanin production in response to sun exposure is a protective mechanism against UV damage. Albinism, a condition characterized by a lack of pigment, results from a genetic defect in melanin production.