noun
- Plural of phaeomelanin; red or yellow pigments produced by melanocytes in skin, hair, and eyes.
Usage: technical; biology; biochemistry
Examples
- Phaeomelanins are responsible for the red and blonde tones in human hair.
- People with high levels of phaeomelanins typically have fair skin and red or auburn hair.
- The ratio of eumelanins to phaeomelanins determines hair color variation.
- Phaeomelanins are less effective at protecting skin from UV radiation than eumelanins.
- Genetic variations affect the production and distribution of phaeomelanins in different populations.