Plays a role in melanin biosynthesis. Catalyzes the oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) into indole-5,6-quinone-2-carboxylic acid in the presence of bound Cu(2+) ions, but not in the presence of Zn(2+). May regulate or influence the type of melanin synthesized (By similarity). Also to a lower extent, capable of hydroxylating tyrosine and producing melanin (By similarity). Contains bound zinc ions after heterologous expression in insect cells, giving rise to a protein that lacks DHICA oxidase activity. The activity depends critically on the nature of the bound metal ion. Catalyzes the oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) in the presence of bound Cu(2+) ions, but lacks activity in the presence of bound Zn(2+) ions. Pigment biosynthesis; melanin biosynthesis. Monomer (By similarity). Interacts with ATP7A (By similarity). Located to mature stage III and IV melanosomes and apposed endosomal tubular membranes. Transported to pigmented melanosomes by the BLOC-1 complex. Proper trafficking to melanosome is regulated by SGSM2, ANKRD27, RAB9A, RAB32 and RAB38. Allelic variations in TYRP1 may be associated with brown (allele chocolate) or cinnamon (allele cinnamon) coat color in domestic cats. May be due to competing donor splice site. May be due to competing donor splice site. Belongs to the tyrosinase family.