The pigment melanin in the skin functions to
a. Produce new living cells in the epidermis
b.help protect the skin fron sunburn
c. Keep water within the skin
To find the answer to your question, we can analyze the functions of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Its primary function is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. This eliminates option a.
UV rays can cause damage to the DNA of skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen by absorbing and dissipating the UV radiation before it can harm the underlying skin cells. Therefore, option b, "help protect the skin from sunburn," is the correct answer.
As for option c, melanin does not play a significant role in keeping water within the skin. The main functions that help the skin retain water include the epidermal barrier, sebum production, and the regulation of moisture by sweat glands.
In conclusion, the correct answer is b. Melanin helps protect the skin from sunburn by absorbing and dissipating harmful UV radiation from the sun.