Question

The melanin that gives black and brown color to hair is known as _____________.

a) Pheomelanin
b) Eumelanin
c) Neuromelanin
d) Trichomelanin

Answer 1

b) Eumelanin

The melanin responsible for black and brown hair color is known as eumelanin, which, along with pheomelanin, determines the pigmentation of hair.

Step-by-step explanation:

The melanin that gives black and brown color to hair is known as eumelanin. Melanin, the pigment produced by melanocytes in the hair papilla, is responsible for the various colors of hair. There are two types of melanin involved in hair coloring: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin provides black and brown pigmentation, whereas pheomelanin gives a red color to hair. The amount of eumelanin present is a key factor in the darkness of hair; more eumelanin results in darker hair, and less leads to lighter hair. As people age, melanin production decreases, causing hair to gray or turn white.