The origin of skin color in humans is thought to have evolved as a way to help protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The amount of melanin, a pigment that is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes, determines the color of a person's skin. People with darker skin have more melanin, which provides greater protection against UV radiation. People with lighter skin have less melanin, which provides less protection but allows the skin to synthesize more vitamin D when exposed to UV radiation. The distribution of melanin in the skin is also responsible for other skin pigmentation such as freckles and age spots.
No comments:
Post a Comment