Melanin and UV Protection

Nabila·

Biology

Preview

At a Glance

Grade Level8th Grade

SubjectBiology

Original Prompt

The role and protection of Melanin The following is a summary of the web page https://learning.amplify.com/m/5481cfb5a35951e2/original/MSSCI_AR_18561.pdf: Melanin is a crucial substance found in the cells of nearly all humans, playing a significant role in determining the color of hair, skin, and eyes. Those with blond hair and pale skin have low levels of melanin, while individuals with dark hair and skin possess higher amounts. Melanin is also present in various organs, such as the kidneys a...

This learning resource explores the relationship between melanin and ultraviolet (UV) protection in human skin. It aims to investigate how melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, absorbs UV light and protects DNA from damage. The resource is divided into three parts: The first part engages learners in observing and questioning the diversity of human skin tones found worldwide. The second part involves analyzing UV absorption data in relation to varying levels of melanin, indicating how different skin tones correlate with UV protection. The final section encourages students to construct a Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) framework to explain how melanin provides protection against DNA damage due to UV exposure, highlighting both scientific understanding and critical thinking skills.