Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a crucial role in determining the color of skin, hair, and eyes. Variations in this gene can lead to red hair and fair skin.
Pigmentation: The coloring of a person's skin, hair, or eyes which is determined by pigments produced by cells called melanocytes.
Melanocyte: A type of cell located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis that produces melanin.
Eumelanin & Pheomelanin: Two types of melanin pigments responsible for coloration in humans; eumelanin is dark brown or black, while pheomelanin is yellow-red.