What pigment is produced by melanocytes?

Melanocytes are specialized cells located primarily in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Their main function is to produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the coloration of skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing and dissipating that energy, reducing the risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

The other options refer to different types of proteins and structural components in the skin. Keratin is a fibrous protein found in the hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin, providing strength and protection. Collagen is a primary structural protein that helps maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, playing a vital role in its overall structure and support. Elastin, another protein, contributes to the skin's elasticity, allowing it to return to its original shape after stretching. These proteins are essential for skin health, but they are not produced by melanocytes nor do they provide pigmentation. Hence, melanin is distinctly the correct answer, as it is the specific pigment produced by melanocytes.