Biology - Week 30-32: Biology of Skin Color

Front

What determines your skin color?

Back

Genetic Inheritance.

Front

What skin color is best adapted for low radiation environments?

Back

Lighter skin tones to increase production of Vitamin D.

Front

Why does protection from skin cancer not explain the strong selective pressure for dark skin in high UV areas?

Back

Because many people get skin color at an older age after they have already had children and probably passed the gene onto them.

Front

What happens to the frequency of genes that cause more melanin production over time?

Back

It would increase because individuals with the genes pass it to offspring.

Front

What is the evolutionary benefit of light skin in northern latitudes?

Back

Easier vitamin D production.

Front

What is melanin?

Back

A pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes.

Front

How does UV radiation affect skin color?

Back

Higher UV radiation leads to darker skin tones as a protective adaptation.

Front

What role does folate play in skin color adaptation?

Back

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and repair; darker skin protects against UV-induced folate degradation.

Front

What is the relationship between skin color and vitamin D synthesis?

Back

Lighter skin allows for more efficient vitamin D synthesis in low UV environments.

Front

What is the significance of genetic variation in skin color?

Back

Genetic variation allows populations to adapt to different environmental conditions.