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Multiple Choice
How does melanin provide protection to cells?
A
By increasing the rate of cellular respiration
B
By directly neutralizing bacterial toxins
C
By facilitating the transport of oxygen in the blood
D
By absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reducing DNA damage
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of melanin: Melanin is a pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes of humans and other organisms. Its primary function is to protect cells from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Learn how UV radiation affects cells: UV radiation can penetrate the skin and cause damage to DNA within cells. This damage can lead to mutations, which may result in skin cancer or other cellular dysfunctions.
Explore how melanin absorbs UV radiation: Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen by absorbing UV radiation. This reduces the amount of UV light that reaches the DNA in skin cells, thereby minimizing the risk of DNA damage.
Clarify why melanin does not perform the other functions listed: Melanin does not increase the rate of cellular respiration, neutralize bacterial toxins, or facilitate oxygen transport in the blood. These functions are unrelated to melanin's role in UV protection.
Conclude with the correct answer: Melanin provides protection to cells by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reducing DNA damage, which is its primary biological function.