This is a rare, inherited disorder. It reduces the amount of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism (albinos) have white hair, pale skin, and blue eyes. Their eyes may seem red in different lighting conditions. Many also have vision problems.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/dermatology/skin_pigment_disorders_85,P00304/
The melanin in the skin is produced by melanocytes, which are found in the basal layer of the epidermis. Although, in general, human beings possess a similar concentration of melanocytes in their skin, the melanocytes in some individuals and ethnic groups produce variable amounts of melanin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanin
The genetic mechanism behind human skin color is mainly regulated by the enzyme tyrosinase, which creates the color of the skin, eyes, and hair shades. Differences in skin color are also attributed to differences in size and distribution of melanosomes in the skin. Melanocytes produce two types of melanin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin_color
Melanin is produced within the skin in cells called melanocytes and it is the main determinant of the skin color of darker-skinned humans. The skin color of people with light skin is determined mainly by the bluish-white connective tissue under the dermis and by the hemoglobin circulating in the veins of the dermis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin_color
The most common form of biological melanin is eumelanin, a brown-black polymer of dihydroxyindole carboxylic acids, and their reduced forms. Most are derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Eumelanin is found in hair, areola, and skin, and the hair colors gray, black, blond, and brown.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin_color
Albinism is caused by a mutation in one of several genes. Each of these genes provides instructions for making one of several proteins involved in the production of melanin. A mutation may result in no melanin at all or a significant decline in the amount of melanin. Albinism is a hereditary condition.
http://www.rainbowkids.com/special-needs/skin-conditions/albinism
Facts About Albinism. Albinism occurs when one of several genetic defects make the body unable to produce or distribute melanin, a natural substance that gives color to your hair, skin, and iris of the eye.
http://www.rainbowkids.com/special-needs/skin-conditions/albinism
Melanin /ˈmɛlənɪn/ (Greek: μέλας – melas, black, dark) is a broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms. Melanin is produced by the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine, followed by polymerization. The pigment is produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes. There are three basic types of melanin: eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanin
Because a person with darker skin -- that is, high melanin concentrations in the skin -- has a limited capacity obtain vitamin D from sun exposure, darker-skinned people are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency than are lighter-skinned individuals.
http://livewell.jillianmichaels.com/vitamin-d-melanin-5203.html
Melanin is a natural substance that gives color to your hair, skin and eyes. Melanin is the primary determinant of skin pigmentation; the more melanin you have in your skin, the darker your skin color will be. The amount of melanin in your skin also determines your body's capacity to produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient, from ultraviolet light exposure.
http://livewell.jillianmichaels.com/vitamin-d-melanin-5203.html
which of the following is a genetic condition in which the body is unable to make melanin?
Albinism is a genetic condition in which the body is unable to make melanin.