Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Tactile cells produce the pigment melanin.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of tactile cells: Tactile cells, also known as Merkel cells, are specialized sensory cells located in the epidermis. Their primary function is to detect touch and relay sensory information to the nervous system. They are not involved in pigment production.
2. Understand the role of melanin: Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. It is produced by melanocytes, which are specialized cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis.
3. Evaluate the statement: The statement claims that tactile cells produce melanin. Since tactile cells are sensory cells and not involved in pigment production, this statement is false.
4. Correct the false statement: To make the statement true, it should be corrected to say, 'Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin.'
5. Conclude: The corrected statement accurately reflects the roles of tactile cells and melanocytes in the skin.

Key Concepts

Tactile Cells

Tactile cells, also known as Merkel cells, are specialized skin cells that are involved in the sensation of touch. They are located in the epidermis and are associated with nerve endings, allowing them to play a crucial role in mechanoreception. Unlike melanocytes, which produce melanin, tactile cells are primarily responsible for detecting pressure and texture.

Melanin Production

Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes, which are found in the skin, hair, and eyes. This pigment is responsible for the coloration of these tissues and provides some protection against UV radiation. The production of melanin is influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposure, particularly sunlight.

True or False Statements

True or false statements are assertions that can be evaluated as either correct or incorrect. In the context of the question, understanding the factual accuracy of statements about biological functions is essential. Correcting false statements involves identifying the inaccuracies and providing the correct information, which is a key skill in scientific literacy.