Where Can I Find 2D Structures of Molecules Like Melanin?

[Monique]

Which are good databases to find 2D structures of molecules like the following:
http://www.accelrys.com/cases/images/melanin2.jpg
It is supposed to be a form of melanin, but I need a better one :)

Swissprot won't work, since it is not a protein.. couldn't find anything in Entrez either :(

 

[Monique]

WHOA! Is THIS melanin??

http://www.rastafarian.net/melanin2.jpg

no wonder it is good at absorbing energies too bad the two structures don't match

 

[Monique]

*grmbl* the following doesn't help..

Melanin Model

name Alexis
status other
age 30s

Question - Where can I find a molecular model (chemical structure
and drawing) of melanin pigment?
------------------------------------------------
I don't think you'll have much luck. The fact that melanin is a "pigment"
should tip you off. Pigments are generally ill-defined, insoluble
macromolecules, and melanin is (more correctly, melanins are) no exception.
From the Merck Index: "Structures are macromolecules, probably mixtures of
polymers, produced by enzyme systems from various precursors in the form of
granules and may be bound to protein material. ... The chemical units which
predominate in these melanins are of the indole type, formed from tyrosine
and dopa precursors."

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
===================================

I need to have the structure though!

 

[rockind78]

Looks like that was all I could find as well. Maybe you could post an easier question?

http://www.accelrys.com/cases/images/melanin3.jpg
http://www.accelrys.com/cases/images/melanin2.jpg

 

[Monique]

Originally posted by rockind78
Maybe you could post an easier question?

well..

But what are some databases where structures are deposited, or databases which list properties of molecules.. I already mentioned Swissprot/Expasy and Entrez.. I used to know lots others, but haven't used any of them in yearsss :)

 

[Monique]

Oh well, I guess I can just list the compounds which can be used as substrates for melanin production. Ofcourse it is pretty evident there is no one form of melanin, since every person's skin color is different.. the melanin of asians will be very different from africans or from skandinavians..

I am actually looking for a melanin from a fungus, it also protects them from UV damage, pretty cool :) that is why spoiled food gets such pretty nasty colorations :P

 

[Monique]

The idea behind all this is that the ringstructures of melanin produce the color and enable it to absorb energies

 

[Mike H]

Optical Absorption of Melanin

This has the structure of the melanin monomers available, as well as some information on synthesis and optical properties.

 

[nautica]

How about making your on.

download this free program, sketch in the formula and the you can view in 2D or 3D

http://acdlabs.com/download/

Nautica

 

[thunderfvck]

www.chemfinder.com is my favorite