Which one of the following is a pigment ?

Melanin is a biological pigment found widely in living organisms, primarily responsible for the coloration of skin, hair, and eyes [4]. It is formed by indoles and phenolic compounds and acts as a natural photoprotectant by absorbing ultraviolet radiation [4]. In contrast, the other options are proteins with structural or transport functions. Albumin is a major transport protein found in blood plasma [t1]. Elastin is a fibrous protein in connective tissue that provides elasticity and recoil to tissues like skin and blood vessels [t3][t5]. Keratin is a structural protein that provides strength and protection to hair, nails, and feathers [t2][t4]. While pigments like chlorophyll are essential for photosynthesis in plants [c1][c4], melanin serves as the primary pigment for protection and coloration in humans and animals.

Sources

1. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Nitrogen (N) > p. 363