Where is melanin production initiated in the skin?

• A. Basal layer of the epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Subcutaneous tissue
• D. Stratum corneum

Answer: (A)

Melanin production starts in the basal layer of the epidermis, where melanocytes reside on the basement membrane. These pigment-producing cells synthesize melanin inside melanosomes and then transfer these pigment-rich structures to neighboring keratinocytes. When exposed to UV light, melanin production can increase, helping protect skin cell nuclei from UV-induced DNA damage by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue don’t host melanin synthesis, and the stratum corneum is the outer dead layer where pigment isn’t produced.