Question 77

The tiny grains of pigment in the cortex that provide natural color to the hair are composed of melanin.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the natural color of hair, found within the cortex of the hair strand. It is produced by melanocytes and exists in various forms that contribute to the wide range of hair colors.

A) keratin.

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that makes up the majority of the hair's structure, providing strength and resilience. However, it does not provide color, as it is not a pigment but rather a protein.

B) melanin.

Melanin is the correct answer as it is specifically the pigment that gives hair its color. It exists in different types, such as eumelanin and pheomelanin, which combine to produce the various shades of hair.

C) side bonds.

Side bonds refer to the connections between the keratin proteins that contribute to the hair's overall strength and structure. They do not have any role in determining the color of the hair, as they are not pigments.

D) polypeptides.

Polypeptides are chains of amino acids that make up proteins, including keratin. While they are essential for the structure of hair, they do not provide pigmentation or color, which is the role of melanin.

Conclusion

Melanin is unequivocally the correct answer as it is the only option that directly relates to the pigmentation of hair. All other options pertain to structural components of hair but do not contribute to its color. Understanding the role of melanin is crucial in comprehending how hair color is determined.