What are the functions melanocytes?

The main function of melanocytes is to provide pigmentation for hair and skin. They do this by initiating melanin production (melanogenesis). Melanocytes synthesize melanin within an organelle known as a melanosome, where other specific enzymes are assembled to synthesize melanin from tyrosine or phenylalanine. Melanin is stored in melanosomes to form melanin granules. These granules are transferred from melanocytes via dendrites to neighboring keratinocytes where melanins accumulate to produce pigmented skin or hair. In humans, melanin functions to protect skin from genotoxic stress or UV radiation. This protection is induced by the capability of melanin granules to absorb UV radiation and quench the UV-induced intracellular free radicals.