Final answer:
Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that ranges from yellow to black and protects the skin from UV light by absorbing it. Melanin production increases with UV exposure, which leads to a darker skin tone and provides additional protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes melanocytes is that they have a wide range of color from yellow to black and protect from UV light. Melanocytes are cells found in the stratum basale of the epidermis and are responsible for producing melanin, the brown pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin serves a protective function by absorbing UV light, thus preventing it from causing damage deeper in the skin. When exposed to UV rays, either from the sun or artificially from a tanning salon, melanocytes produce more melanin, leading to a darker skin tone or a tan. This tan protects the DNA of epidermal cells from UV damage and the breakdown of folic acid while helping in the secretion of vitamin D.
Melanocytes are cells found in the stratum basale of the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin gives skin its color and protects the skin from UV light by absorbing the light and preventing it from penetrating deeper into the skin. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale skin, resulting in a higher level of protection against UV radiation.