Hair Color Genetics and Functions

The video explores the structure and function of hair follicles, focusing on melanocytes and their role in pigment production. It delves into the MC1R protein, a transmembrane protein involved in pigment synthesis, and its interaction with the melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The video also discusses gene activation, protein production, and the genetic variants of the MC1R gene, highlighting how these factors influence pigment variation in mice.

What is the primary function of the hair papilla in hair follicles?

• To produce oil for the skin

• To control hair growth

• To store hair follicle stem cells

• To produce pigments

What is the function of the sebaceous gland associated with hair follicles?

• To produce hair

• To filter blood

• To secrete oils that help keep the skin healthy

• To store pigments

Which pigment is responsible for dark hair color?

• Chlorophyll

• Phthalo melanin

• Eumelanin

• Carotene

What is the role of the MC1R protein in cells?

• To filter waste products

• To produce hair

• To act as a transmembrane protein involved in pigment synthesis

• To store genetic information

Which of the following is NOT a function of transmembrane proteins like MC1R?

• Reacting to cellular surroundings

• Producing pigments directly

• Transmitting signals inside the cell

• Detecting external signals

How does the MC1R protein interact with the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)?

• It permanently binds to MSH

• It changes shape and triggers internal cell reactions

• It produces more MSH

• It deactivates MSH

What happens if the MC1R protein is not manufactured correctly?

• It may not change shape properly to trigger reactions

• It produces more pigment

• It cannot bind to MSH

• It becomes a different protein

What does it mean for a gene to be 'switched on'?

• The gene is duplicated

• The gene is inactive

• The gene is transcribed into mRNA and translated into a protein

• The gene is deleted

What is the difference between the R and C alleles of the MC1R gene?

• C allele is dominant over R allele

• R allele is not involved in pigment production

• R allele is associated with dark fur, while C allele is linked to lighter fur

• R allele produces less pigment than C allele

How does heterozygosity affect fur color in mice with R and C alleles?

• Mice will have no fur

• Mice will have uniformly dark fur

• Mice will have uniformly light fur

• Mice will have an intermediate fur color