Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce the pigment in organelles called .

Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce the pigment called melanin. This pigment is produced in organelles called melanosomes.

Here are the steps:

1. Melanocytes are located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis and in the middle layer of the eye, the uvea.

2. These cells produce melanin as a response to UV radiation to protect the skin from damage.

3. The production of melanin occurs in the melanosomes, which are specialized organelles within the melanocytes.

4. The melanosomes are then transported to the keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis, where they provide pigmentation and photoprotection.

5. The amount and type of melanin produced by the melanocytes determine the color of the skin, hair, and eyes.