Which component of the skin is responsible for giving color and absorbing UV radiation?

The component of skin responsible for giving color and absorbing UV radiation is melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes, which are located primarily in the epidermis. It plays a crucial role in protecting the skin by absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, thereby reducing the risk of DNA damage that could lead to skin cancer. The amount and type of melanin present in the skin can influence an individual's skin tone and sensitivity to sun exposure.

Other components such as carotene can also contribute to skin coloration, but it mainly affects the yellow-orange tint in the skin rather than primarily absorbing UV radiation. Collagen, on the other hand, is a structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin, but it does not play a role in pigmentation or UV absorption. Pheomelanin is a type of melanin that gives a yellow to red pigment but is less effective in UV protection compared to the more common eumelanin, which is dark brown to black. Therefore, melanin is the key component that addresses both color and protection against UV radiation.