he main function of melanin pigment is to protect the of keratinocytes from UV radiation.
Question
he main function of melanin pigment is to protect the of keratinocytes from UV radiation.
Solution
The main function of the melanin pigment is to protect the DNA of keratinocytes from UV radiation. Melanin absorbs harmful UV radiation and transforms the energy into harmless heat. This process prevents the indirect DNA damage that is responsible for the formation of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers.
Here are the steps:
- UV radiation from the sun reaches the skin.
- Melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, are stimulated to produce more melanin in response to UV exposure.
- The melanin pigment is transferred to the keratinocytes, the most abundant cells in the skin's outer layer.
- The melanin pigment absorbs the UV radiation, preventing it from damaging the DNA within the keratinocytes.
- The absorbed UV radiation is transformed into harmless heat, which is dissipated from the skin.
This process is a crucial part of the body's natural defense against skin cancer.
Similar Questions
How is melanin protective?Multiple choice question.prevents loss of water from the skinfixes mutations in DNAprevents loss of heat from the skinabsorbs UV radiation from sunlight
Melanin production helps our species regulate the exposure to UV rays. This process maintains the appropriate level of:Group of answer choicesVitamin D productionscurvy in the populationHypervitaminosis Eall of these
Melanin is produced and stored inMultiple Choicemelanocytes.the basement membrane.the dermis.keratinocytes.
The substance called is produced in specialized skin cells. It absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, preventing it from causing mutations in the DNA of skin cells.
What is the function of a keratinocyte?Multiple choice question.To produce a waterproofing protein.To initiate immune responses to potential pathogens.To stimulate mitosis of basal cells.To produce a dark-colored pigment.
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