Ranga Uncle’s Nichod – Episode 2

PS: Nicotinamide is as small a molecule as Nicotine. It disrupts the movement of Melanosomes – organelles that carry Melanin, the dark pigment – from Melanocytes – where Melanin is synthesised – to Keratinocytes, which is the outermost region of our skin. More melanin means darker skin. Darker skin means it protects us from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Melanin production, and not just its transport, can be stopped in many ways. Kojic Acid is one such molecule. It inhibits an enzyme called Tyrosinase. Tyrosinase synthesises Melanin. When Tyrosinase is rendered inactive through a genetic mutation the skin turns ashen white. This is what is called Albinism.