<prompt> Precursor of melanin synthesis:TyrosineGlycinePhenylalanineLysine  <response>: Ans. a TyrosineRef: Harpers Biochemistry, 30 ed. pg. 618-20, 26 ed. P 288 Melanin is pigment of skin, hair and eyes, synthesized from tyrosine in the epidermis by the melanocytes. Function: Protect underlying cells from UV rays of sun. Defect in melanin production: Albinism Generalized Albinism aka Oculocutaneous albinism OCA is mainly classified into 3 types: OCA 1: Tyrosinase deficient OCA 2: Tyrosinase positive- MC type of albinism OCA 3: Red OCA Localized albinism: Piebaldism, Waardenburg syndrome Specialized products from glycine: Creatinine, Heme, Purine nucleotide, Glutathione 