Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

5. Integumentary System

The Epidermis: Cells

Anatomy & Physiology

5. Integumentary System

The Epidermis: Cells

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Problem 11a

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The primary skin pigment is melanin, which is derived from the amino acid tyrosine.

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Step 1: Understand the statement provided. The statement claims that melanin is the primary skin pigment and is derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Break this into two parts: (1) melanin as the primary skin pigment and (2) its derivation from tyrosine.

Step 2: Confirm the first part of the statement. Melanin is indeed the primary pigment responsible for skin color, produced by specialized cells called melanocytes in the epidermis. This part of the statement is true.

Step 3: Analyze the second part of the statement. Melanin is synthesized through a biochemical process that begins with the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into melanin via enzymatic reactions involving tyrosinase. This part of the statement is also true.

Step 4: Evaluate the overall accuracy of the statement. Since both parts of the statement are correct, the statement is true as written.

Step 5: If the statement were false, you would need to correct it. For example, if the statement incorrectly identified the primary pigment or its source, you would clarify that melanin is the primary pigment and is derived from tyrosine through enzymatic reactions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Melanin

Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes in humans and other animals. It is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which convert the amino acid tyrosine into melanin through a series of biochemical reactions. The amount and type of melanin produced determine an individual's skin tone and susceptibility to UV radiation.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of melanin. It is derived from another amino acid called phenylalanine and is involved in various metabolic processes. In the context of skin pigmentation, tyrosine is the precursor that melanocytes use to produce melanin, highlighting its importance in determining skin color.

Skin Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation refers to the coloration of the skin, which is primarily influenced by the type and amount of melanin produced. Factors such as genetics, environmental exposure to sunlight, and hormonal changes can affect skin pigmentation. Understanding skin pigmentation is essential for recognizing variations in skin color and the implications for health, such as the risk of skin cancer.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Keratinocytes in the superficial strata of the epidermis die because:

a. They are too far away from the blood supply in the dermis.

b. They are surrounded by a lipid-based substance that makes them more permeable to water.

c. They do not die.

d. No keratinocytes in the epidermis are alive.

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