Melanin

Why did dark-colored rock pocket mice first appear in a population of light-colored rock pocket mice?

• They have a mutation in MC1R gene that affects their fur color.

• They migrated due to climate change in their original environment.

• They migrated due to shortage of food supply in their original environment.

• A volcano erupted and turned some mice dark.

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Why did dark-colored rock pocket mice FIRST appear in a population of light-colored rock pocket mice?

• They have a genetic mutation that affects their fur color.

• There is dark lava rock in the are where they live.

• Individuals change color to blend in with the environment.

• Predators eat the light-colored mice.

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What is melanin?

• A protein

• A sugar

• A substance found in various cells

• A type of DNA

Where can melanin be found in the body?

• Only in the skin

• Only in the eyes and hair

• In the skin, hair, eyes, and other organs

• Only in the liver and kidneys

What is the role of melanin in the skin when exposed to UV rays?

• It reflects all UV light.

• It makes the skin transparent to UV light.

• It has no role in UV protection.

• It protects DNA by absorbing UV light.

The cells that produce the dark skin pigment called melanin are?

• papule

• melanocytes

• keratin

• collagen

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What determines skin tone?

• The amount of water in skin cells

• The amount of melanin in the skin

• The size of the skin cells

• The type of blood in the body

What is the main function of melanin in the skin?

• To give hair color

• To absorb UV light and protect DNA

• To prevent skin cells from growing

• To keep the skin hydrated

When exposed to UV light, the body produces more _________, resulting in a suntan.

How does melanin protect DNA in skin cells?

• By reflecting UV light away from the skin

• By absorbing UV light before it reaches the DNA

• By making skin cells thicker

• By removing the DNA from skin cells