Hair color is influenced by the amount, size, and distribution of which of the following?

• A. Keratin fibers
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Melanin granules
• D. Collagen molecules

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of melanin in biology: Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. It is responsible for the coloration of skin, hair, and eyes in humans and other organisms.
2. Learn about the types of melanin: There are two main types of melanin that influence hair color—eumelanin (responsible for black and brown shades) and pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow shades). The ratio and distribution of these types determine the specific hair color.
3. Explore the factors influencing melanin granules: Hair color is determined by the amount (quantity), size, and distribution of melanin granules within the keratinized cells of the hair shaft. Higher amounts of eumelanin result in darker hair, while lower amounts or higher pheomelanin result in lighter or red hair.
4. Clarify why other options are incorrect: Keratin fibers are structural proteins that provide strength to hair but do not influence its color. Hemoglobin is a protein in blood responsible for oxygen transport and does not affect hair color. Collagen molecules are structural proteins in connective tissues and are unrelated to pigmentation.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: Melanin granules are the biological structures directly responsible for influencing hair color through their quantity, size, and distribution.