SSC CHSL 2019 PYQ — Question 43

SSC CHSL - 9th July 2019 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q43

The pigment that gives human skin, hair and eyes their colour is called:

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1, i.e. melanin.

The pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color is called melanin. 

This natural pigment is produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes, which are located in the epidermis, hair follicles, and iris of the eye. The amount and type of melanin an individual's body produces determine their specific shade of skin, hair, and eye color. Besides giving color, melanin plays a crucial protective role by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which helps prevent skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer.