Pigment is a colored material found in plant or animal cells that gives them their color. It is often used to describe substances that are insoluble and unreactive in water.
Examples of pigment:
- Melanin: This pigment is responsible for skin, hair, and eye color.
- Chlorophyll: This pigment is responsible for the green color of plants.
- Carotene: This pigment is responsible for the orange color of carrots and other vegetables.
Pigment in Skin:
- Skin pigmentation disorders can affect the color of your skin.
- Melanin, produced by special cells in the skin, is the pigment that gives skin its color.
- Conditions like vitiligo, where melanocytes die or stop producing melanin, result in loss of skin color.
Pigment in Eyes:
- Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) is a condition that affects the eyes, causing pigment to be released from the iris.
- This pigment can then build up in the drainage system of the eye, leading to an increased risk of glaucoma.
Pigment in Art:
- Pigments are also used in art to create colors.
- They are usually in the form of powders that are mixed with a binder, such as oil or water, to create paint.
Other Uses of Pigment:
- Pigments are also used in many other applications, such as in cosmetics, food, and textiles.
