While studying the skin in a science class, a student asks why all people have a pinkish color to their lips/mucous membranes. The instructor would respond by citing which of the following responses?
A) Melanocytes are the pigment-synthesizing cells.
B) Pheomelanin is the yellow to red pigment particularly concentrated in the lips and nipples of humans.
C) Tyrosinase is responsible for all-colored cell production.
D) A person with tiny melanocytes will have more concentrated pigment resulting in darker color.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pheomelanin, the yellow to red pigment, is found in all humans. It is particularly concentrated in the lips, nipples, glans penis, and vagina. Melanocytes arepigment-synthesizing cells that are scattered in the basal layer and are responsible for skin color (not mucous membranes). Tyrosinase converts the amino acid tyrosine to a precursor of melanin. If one has a lack of tyrosinase, the end result will be albinism. In dark-skinned people, larger melanin-containing melanosomes are produced and transferred individually to the keratinocyte.

While Studying the Skin in a Science Class, a Student