Which cells would be stimulated for a person to acquire a suntan?
1 Answer
Jun 18, 2017
Melanocytes.
Explanation:
Melanocytes are cells in the skin that contain melanin, a pigment that gives skin its characteristic colour.
Melanocytes produce two types of melanin: pheomelanin (which is red in colour) and eumelanin (which is very dark brown in colour).
Melanin usually protects the body from sunlight by absorbing ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation oxidises the melanin and causes darkening or tanning - this process is immediate and not long-lasting.
Delayed tanning also takes place by ultraviolet radiation stimulating melanogenesis - production of more melanin. This process causes a tan to appear after a few days and last longer than the immediate tanning.
