December 11, 2024
eye color
eye color

Genes for our eye color

The genes for our eye color are located on two different chromosomes: chromosome 15 and chromosome 19. There are two main genes that determine eye color: OCA2 and HERC2.

OCA2 is a gene that codes for a protein called tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color. The OCA2 gene has a number of different variants, and the variant that you have will determine how much melanin your body produces.

HERC2 is a gene that regulates the expression of the OCA2 gene. The HERC2 gene also has a number of different variants, and the variant that you have can also affect your eye color.

In addition to OCA2 and HERC2, there are a number of other genes that can also affect eye color. However, OCA2 and HERC2 are the two most important genes.

Here is a simplified explanation of how genes determine eye color:

  • Brown eyes: People with brown eyes have two copies of the OCA2 gene that produce a lot of melanin.
  • Blue eyes: People with blue eyes have two copies of the OCA2 gene that produce very little melanin.
  • Green eyes: People with green eyes have one copy of the OCA2 gene that produces a lot of melanin and one copy of the OCA2 gene that produces very little melanin.
  • Hazel eyes: People with hazel eyes have a mix of brown and green pigment in their eyes.

It is important to note that eye color is a complex trait, and there are a number of other factors that can also affect it, such as the amount of melanin in the iris and the way that light is scattered in the eye.

Exit mobile version