This is a copper-containing oxidase that functions in the formation of pigments such as melanins and other polyphenolic compounds (PubMed: 2517217). Catalyzes the initial and rate limiting step in the cascade of reactions leading to melanin production from tyrosine (PubMed: 2517217, PubMed: 1537333). In addition to hydroxylating tyrosine to DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), also catalyzes the oxidation of DOPA to DOPA-quinone, and possibly the oxidation of DHI (5,6-dihydroxyindole) to indole-5,6 quinone (PubMed: 1537333).
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