Melanosome

For the geological term, see melanosome (geology).
7× speed timelapse video of fish melanophores responding to 200 uM adrenaline; the melanosomes retreat to the center of the star-shaped melanophore cells.
Fish and frog melanophores are cells that can change colour by dispersing or aggregating pigment-containing melanosomes.

A melanosome is an organelle found in animal cells and is the site for synthesis, storage and transport of melanin, the most common light-absorbing pigment found in the animal kingdom. Melanosomes are responsible for color and photoprotection in animal cells and tissues.

Melanosomes are synthesised in the skin in melanocyte cells, as well as the eye in choroidal melanocytes and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In lower vertebrates, they are found in melanophores or chromatophores.[1][2]

  1. ^ Wasmeier C, Hume AN, Bolasco G, Seabra MC (2008). "Melanosomes at a glance". J Cell Sci. 121 (pt24): 3995–3999. doi:10.1242/jcs.040667. hdl:10362/21940. PMID 19056669.
  2. ^ Raposo G, Marks MS (2007). "Melanosomes--dark organelles enlighten endosomal membrane transport". Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 8 (10): 786–797. doi:10.1038/nrm2258. PMC 2786984. PMID 17878918.