Melanin

Melanin is present in plants and animals where it forms a class of compounds which serve mainly as a pigment. They are derived from the amino acid tyrosine and many are insoluble salts which show affinity to water.  Melanin is an excellent photoreactant as it absorbs harmful UV-radiation and transforms the energy into harmless amounts of heat. This is a process called ultrafast internal conversion, which helps prevent indirect DNA damage which is responsible for the formation of malignant melanomas.