Does melanin give the tan or brown color to the skin?

Melanin is indeed responsible for providing the tan or brown color to the skin. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, melanocytes (the cells in the skin that produce melanin) increase the production of melanin as a protective response. This increased melanin pigment absorbs UV radiation and helps to protect the deeper layers of skin from damage. The result of this process is the browning or darkening of the skin, which is commonly referred to as a tan.

Understanding this process helps in appreciating the role of melanin not only as a pigment but also as a natural defense mechanism for the skin. Other options suggest varying degrees of correctness, but melanin's primary function in determining skin color remains consistent across different skin tones.