Which of the following are factors in determining whether individuals have darker or lighter skin?

• A. The number of chromosomes in skin cells
• B. The amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells
• C. The number and type of melanin produced by melanocytes
• D. The presence of mitochondria in epidermal cells

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that skin color is primarily determined by the pigment melanin, which is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes in the epidermis.
2. Learn that there are two main types of melanin: eumelanin (responsible for darker pigmentation) and pheomelanin (responsible for lighter pigmentation). The ratio and amount of these melanin types influence skin color.
3. Recognize that the number of chromosomes in skin cells is not relevant to skin color, as all human cells typically have the same number of chromosomes (46 in total).
4. Understand that hemoglobin in red blood cells contributes to the reddish undertone of skin but does not directly determine darker or lighter skin pigmentation.
5. Note that mitochondria in epidermal cells are involved in energy production but do not play a role in determining skin color. The key factor is the number and type of melanin produced by melanocytes.