Which cells produce melanin?

• A. Keratinocytes
• B. Langerhans cells
• C. Fibroblasts
• D. Melanocytes

Answer: (D)

Melanin production is carried out by melanocytes, specialized pigment-producing cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells synthesize melanin inside melanosomes using the enzyme tyrosinase from the amino acid tyrosine, then transfer the melanosomes to neighboring keratinocytes. This distribution gives skin its color and helps protect skin cell nuclei from UV damage. Other cells mentioned have different roles: keratinocytes form the protective outer layer by producing keratin, Langerhans cells are immune cells in the epidermis, and fibroblasts reside in the dermis, producing connective tissue. The key point is that melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin.