Melanin

Genetic genealogy is the application of genetics to traditional genealogy. Genetic genealogy involves the use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level and type of the genetic relationship between individuals.
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darkerhorse
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Melanin

Post by darkerhorse »

If color is determined by melanin then why do some persons have inconsistent coloring?

For example, Snow White has jet black hair and brown eyes, but fair skin.
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MarcuccioV
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Re: Melanin

Post by MarcuccioV »

darkerhorse wrote: 06 May 2023, 23:08 If color is determined by melanin then why do some persons have inconsistent coloring?

For example, Snow White has jet black hair and brown eyes, but fair skin.
Since there are different types and colors of melanin, I'm not certain you can make equal comparisons. I'm sure we've all seen (or known) someone with a darker skin tone and light eyes and hair (I've occasionally seen this in Spaniards, Italians & Greeks) as well as those with pale skin with dark hair & eyes (Black Irish are a good example).

It probably boils down to what types of melanin a particular person has, which no doubt is buried deep within their DNA. Mixed ethnicities probably complicate the issue even more.

A medium-dark complexion, dark hair & eyes run in my nuclear family, but previous gens had some variations (in some cases darker, in some lighter -- in a few instances, a LOT lighter.

In short, I don't think you can draw any concrete conclusions simply based on melanin levels...
Mark

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darkerhorse
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Re: Melanin

Post by darkerhorse »

I didn't know there were different types of melanin.
darkerhorse
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Re: Melanin

Post by darkerhorse »

Or maybe I did and forgot.
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