Question

use the above answers to help you answer the questions below. 4. why would dark skin be an advantage in regards to protecting our folate stores? 5. why would light skin be a disadvantage in regards to protecting our folate stores? 6. why would light skin be an advantage in regards to vitamin d production? 7. why would dark skin be a disadvantage in regards to vitamin d production?

Explanation:

1. Dark - skinned individuals have more melanin in their skin. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen and reduces the penetration of UV - B rays. UV - B rays are necessary for the conversion of 7 - dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3 in the skin, which is a key step in vitamin D production. So, dark skin can limit vitamin D production.
2. Light - skinned individuals have less melanin. This allows more UV - B rays to penetrate the skin. High levels of UV - B exposure can break down folate in the body. Folate is important for cell division and DNA synthesis, and its breakdown can be harmful. So, light skin can be a disadvantage in protecting folate stores.
3. Light - skinned individuals have less melanin, which allows more UV - B rays to reach the skin. UV - B rays are required for the initial steps of vitamin D synthesis in the skin. So, light skin can be an advantage in vitamin D production.
4. Dark - skinned individuals have more melanin which acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting against the harmful effects of UV - B rays. This protection helps maintain folate stores as UV - B can break down folate. So, dark skin can be an advantage in protecting folate stores.

Answer:

1. Dark skin has more melanin which reduces UV - B penetration for vitamin D production.
2. Light skin allows more UV - B penetration which can break down folate.
3. Light skin allows more UV - B for vitamin D production.
4. Dark skin's melanin protects folate from UV - B breakdown.