The Science of Skin Color
An 11th-grade biology worksheet exploring the genetics, biochemistry, and evolutionary aspects of human skin pigmentation.
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The Science of Skin Color
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Some questions may require critical thinking and application of biological concepts.
1. Which of the following pigments is primarily responsible for human skin color?
Hemoglobin
Carotene
Melanin
Bilirubin
2. Melanin is produced by specialized cells called:
Keratinocytes
Melanocytes
Fibroblasts
Adipocytes
3. The two main types of melanin are eumelanin, which produces brown/black pigment, and , which produces red/yellow pigment.
4. Exposure to radiation from the sun stimulates melanin production, leading to tanning.
5. Briefly explain the evolutionary advantage of having different skin colors among human populations.
6. All humans have roughly the same number of melanocytes, but the activity level of these cells varies.
True
False
7. Vitamin D synthesis is hindered by high levels of melanin in the skin.
True
False
8. Observe the diagram of human skin below. Label the melanocyte and explain its function in relation to skin color.
