Final answer:
The correct answer is option d. The stratum basale is the layer of the epidermis which contains melanocytes that produce melanin, providing protection against UV radiation. It is the deepest layer and lies above the basement membrane that separates the dermis from the epidermis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Protection Against UV Radiation
The student's question pertains to which layer of the upper dermis contains cells that protect against UV radiation. The correct answer to this question is the stratum basale. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is responsible for the generation of new keratinocytes. It also contains melanocytes, which produce melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from UV radiation by absorbing and dissipating it. Additionally, the question refers to the basement membrane which is located between the dermis and the epidermis.
The layers of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial are stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (only present in certain areas like palms and soles), and the stratum corneum. Each of these layers has a specific function, but it is the stratum basale that contains melanocytes which provide protection against UV radiation.