Tyrosinase (TYR)

This is a copper-containing oxidase that functions in the formation of pigments such as melanins and other polyphenolic compounds. Catalyzes the initial and rate limiting step in the cascade of reactions resulting in melanin production from tyrosine.

In addition to hydroxylating tyrosine to DOPA (3,4- dihydroxyphenylalanine), also catalyzes the oxidation of DOPA into DOPA-quinone, and possibly the oxidation of DHI (5,6- dihydroxyindole) into indole-5,6 quinone. .