Understanding Melanin and Its Functions

What is the primary function of melanin in the human body?

• To provide energy

• To give skin, hair, and eyes their color and protect them from UV damage

• To regulate body temperature

• To aid in digestion

Which factor primarily determines the amount of melanin in an individual's body?

• Diet

• Exercise

• Genetics and ancestral sun exposure

• Sleep patterns

What happens to melanin production when you are exposed to sunlight?

• It decreases

• It remains the same

• It increases to protect against UV rays

• It stops completely

Which type of melanin is described as a polymer made from dihydroxyindole (DHI) and dihydroxyindole carboxylic acid (DHICA)?

• Pheomelanin

• Neuromelanin

• Eumelanin

• Carotene

What is the role of the enzyme tyrosinase in melanin production?

• It breaks down melanin

• It catalyzes the reaction to produce melanin

• It stores melanin

• It transports melanin

Which organelles are responsible for producing eumelanin?

• Ribosomes

• Mitochondria

• Melanosomes

• Lysosomes

What is the relationship between skin tone and melanin content?

• Lighter skin tones have more melanin

• Darker skin tones have more melanin

• Skin tone is unrelated to melanin content

• All skin tones have the same amount of melanin

Which of the following is NOT a form of melanin found in humans?

• Eumelanin

• Pheomelanin

• Neuromelanin

• Chlorophyll

What is the effect of increased melanin production on skin appearance after sun exposure?

• Skin becomes lighter

• Skin becomes tanned

• Skin becomes red

• Skin becomes blue

Which of the following statements is true about eumelanin?

• It is a light pigment

• It is the least common form of melanin

• It is a very dark to medium pigment

• It is not found in humans