melanosome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “melanosome” mean?
A specialized organelle within a cell that produces, stores, and transports melanin, the pigment responsible for colour in skin, hair, eyes, and feathers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized organelle within a cell that produces, stores, and transports melanin, the pigment responsible for colour in skin, hair, eyes, and feathers.
In biology and medicine, it refers specifically to the membrane-bound structure in melanocytes and other pigment cells where melanin synthesis occurs. The size, number, and distribution of melanosomes determine an organism's pigmentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “melanosome” in a Sentence
The melanosome contains enzymes for melanin synthesis.Melanosomes are transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “melanosome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- melanosomal transfer
- melanosomal protein
American English
- melanosomal transfer
- melanosomal protein
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in research papers and textbooks in cell biology, genetics, dermatology, and evolutionary biology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used by scientists, doctors, and researchers discussing pigmentation, skin cancer (melanoma), or animal coloration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “melanosome”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “melanosome”
- Misspelling as 'melanosom' or 'melenosome'.
- Confusing it with 'melanocyte' (the cell that contains melanosomes).
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A melanocyte is the entire pigment-producing cell. A melanosome is a tiny organelle (like a specialised compartment) inside that cell where the pigment melanin is actually made and stored.
No, melanosomes are sub-cellular structures and are typically studied using more powerful electron microscopes.
No. Melanosomes are found in the pigment cells of many animals, contributing to skin, hair, feather, and eye colour. They are also found in the retina of the eye.
Melanoma is a cancer that originates from melanocytes. Since melanosomes are the key functional unit of melanocytes, their biology is deeply studied to understand how melanocytes become cancerous.
A specialized organelle within a cell that produces, stores, and transports melanin, the pigment responsible for colour in skin, hair, eyes, and feathers.
Melanosome is usually technical/scientific in register.
Melanosome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛlənə(ʊ)səʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛlənəˌsoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'MELANin' factory inside a cell. The factory is a 'SOME' (body) – a MELANO-SOME.
Conceptual Metaphor
A factory or warehouse (for producing and storing pigment). A delivery vehicle (for transporting pigment to other cells).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a melanosome?