Albinism in Homo sapiens

    Oculocutaneous Albinism is due to the absence of the pigment melanin in the melanocytes of the eyes, skin, and hair. The genotypic basis is typically a deficiency or absence of the enzyme tyrosinase, which converts dihydroxyphenyalanine (DOPA) to melanin. The phenotypic effect is more dramatic in dark-skinned people (left), but occurs in all ethnic groups (middle): note the two boys on the far right, from a Scandanavian family. In several cultures, "Moon Children" are regarded as bringers of good fortune (right).