Chapter 26, Problem 3DAA

Summary Introduction

To explain: The purpose of the cells with the gene for green fluorescent protein that serves in the Neanderthal hair color experiment.

Concept introduction: Neanderthals are extinct hominins that are closest relatives of Homo sapiens and habituated to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The pigmentation in humans is regulated by the MC1R. The loss of function mutation in the MC1R gene in turn affects the skin and hair color. Homozygous mutation of the gene results in red hair and pale skin phenotype.