Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes melanin's function?

A) Melanin protects the skin from UV radiation
B) Melanin is responsible for blood clotting
C) Melanin regulates body temperature
D) Melanin aids in digestion

Answer 1

Melanin's function is to protect the skin from UV radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin comes in different forms, primarily eumelanin (responsible for brown and black pigments) and pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow pigments).

Melanin's function in the skin is to protect underlying tissues from UV radiation. It absorbs UV light and prevents its damaging effects on the deeper layers of the skin. Melanin also plays a role in determining the color of the skin, with darker-skinned individuals producing more melanin than those with pale skin.