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The Role of Melanin
Melanin is an ancient pigment with radio-protective properties that is generally dark brown/black, and it is naturally occurring. It is important to note that melanin has a high molecular weight. This pigment can transduce and shield energy, therefore it can absorb electromagnetic radiation and absorb light. This quality means that melanin can protect melanized fungi from ionizing radiation. The energy transduction enhances growth in the fungi as well, meaning that melanized fungi grow faster. Melanin is also an advantage to the fungus in that it helps it survive in many different, more extreme, and varying environments. Examples of these environment include the damaged reactor at Chernobyl, the space station, and the Antarctic mountains. Melanin may also to able to help the fungus metabolize radiation into energy, but more evidence and research is still needed.