Question

question 7 (1 point)
melanocytes are cells that inject pigment into nearby skin cells, thereby giving us different shades of skin color. look at the picture below. which of the following best explains how melanocytes are specialized to do their job?
image omitted

a melanocytes travel throughout the bloodstream with long, whip - like tails and inject melanin into the blood
b melanocytes have long extrusions or tentacles that extend into nearby skin cells and release melanin
c melanocytes are long and flat so that can spread melanin throughout the skin
d melanocytes are square shaped with thick membranes that keeps melanin trapped inside

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option a: Melanocytes do not travel via the bloodstream with whip - like tails to inject melanin into blood; they interact with skin cells directly, so this is incorrect.
• Option b: From the diagram, melanocytes have long extrusions (tentacles) that extend into nearby skin cells. This structure allows them to release melanin into those cells, which matches their function of giving skin color.
• Option c: Melanocytes are not long and flat in the way described to spread melanin; their structure with extensions is key, so this is incorrect.
• Option d: Melanocytes are not square - shaped with thick membranes to trap melanin; they release melanin into other cells, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

b. Melanocytes have long extrusions or "tentacles" that extend into nearby skin cells and release melanin