Question

How does the function of melanin explain not only the variety of skin colors but susceptibility to skin cancer?

Answer 1

Answer: Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light-skinned people have. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. It is our skin's very own sunscreen which protects it from harmful Ultraviolet rays (UVR) from the sun. Melanin is responsible for the various pigmentations found in our skin. The function of melanin explains not only the variety of skin colors but susceptibility to skin cancer as the darker skin produces more of the pigment called melanin that does help protect skin but only to a certain extent. People of color can still get sunburned, and they can also develop skin cancer from UV damage