Which Pigment Secreted by Specialized Cells in the Skin Is

Question

Which pigment secreted by specialized cells in the skin is capable of absorbing ultraviolet light?
A)Keratin
B)Melanin
C)Melatonin
D)Carotene
E)Hemoglobin

Accepted Answer

Melanin is the pigment that is secreted by specialized cells in the skin called melanocytes. Melanin is capable of absorbing ultraviolet light, which is responsible for preventing DNA damage in skin cells. This pigment is also responsible for giving the skin its color. Keratin is a protein that provides structural support and protection to the skin, but it does not absorb ultraviolet light. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and has no direct role in skin pigmentation. Carotene is a pigment found in plants, and hemoglobin is a protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream, both of which have no role in skin pigmentation.