Abstract
The explanation about the function of melanin in the substantia nigra at mesencephalon has been elicited diverse theories, being considered its presence in midbrain only as a by-product of dopamine metabolism. Our discovery of the intrinsic property of melanin to split and re-form the water molecule breaks the ground: the main function of melanin in mesencephalon (and anywhere) is energy production. Thereby melanin is the fundamental source of energy indispensable to dopamine metabolism.