Adjacent pyrimidine bases in DNA form dimers with high efficiency after exposure to UV light. If these dimers are not repaired, skin cancers can result. Melanin is a natural sunscreen produced by melanocytes, a type of skin cell, when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Individuals who spend long periods developing a tan eventually acquire a thick and highly wrinkled skin. Such individuals are also at high risk for skin cancer. Can you explain, in general terms, why these phenomena are related?

Biochemistry
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ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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Adjacent pyrimidine bases in DNA form dimers with high efficiency after exposure to UV
light. If these dimers are not repaired, skin cancers can result. Melanin is a natural sunscreen
produced by melanocytes, a type of skin cell, when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Individuals
who spend long periods developing a tan eventually acquire a thick and highly wrinkled skin.
Such individuals are also at high risk for skin cancer. Can you explain, in general terms, why
these phenomena are related?

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