Why Do We Get Freckles?

The video explains that freckles are small skin areas with higher melanin, not stars. Melanin, produced by melanocytes, acts as a natural sunscreen. Freckles form in clumps and darken with sun exposure, unlike lentigenes, which have more melanocytes and don't change with sunlight. The MC1R gene influences melanin type, affecting skin and hair color. Red hair is recessive, while freckles are dominant, indicating more genetic factors. The video thanks patrons and promotes SciShow.

What causes freckles to darken when exposed to sunlight?

• Decrease in skin temperature

• Increase in skin moisture

• Higher melanin concentration

• Increase in blood flow

How do lentigenes differ from freckles?

• Lentigenes are temporary

• Lentigenes are caused by sun exposure

• Lentigenes have more melanocyte cells

• Lentigenes are genetic

Which gene is primarily associated with the regulation of skin and hair color?

• TP53

• BRCA1

• MC1R

• APOE

What type of melanin is produced when the MC1R gene is active?

• Pheomelanin

• Xanthophyll

• Eumelanin

• Carotene

Why might not all people with red hair have freckles?

• Freckles are a recessive trait

• Red hair and freckles are controlled by different genes

• Freckles are a dominant trait

• Red hair is influenced by diet