Genetics of Hair Color

This lecture delves into the genetics behind hair color, focusing on the monogenic trait that determines whether hair is black or red. The instructor explains how the MC1R gene influences the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, and discusses the intercellular communication involved in this process. The lecture also covers mutations affecting the MC1R receptor, the role of melanocytes in producing and transferring melanin, and the implications of these genetic variations on hair color. Through examples from mouse models and human genetics, the lecture illustrates how variations in the MC1R gene can lead to different hair colors and discusses the evolutionary significance of these genetic mechanisms.