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How does DNA determine eye color?

Human BiologyGenetics

Quick Answer

Eye color depends on how much melanin is in the iris and how light scatters in it. Several genes affect the result, so eye color is not controlled by just one gene.

The Full Story

The amount and distribution of melanin in the iris determine whether eyes look brown, hazel, green, blue, or gray. Two genes, OCA2 and HERC2, play a major role, but many other genes also influence the final shade. Brown eyes generally have more melanin, while blue eyes usually have much less, allowing light scattering to shape the visible color. Because so many genes are involved, eye color can vary within families and does not follow a simple dominant-recessive pattern.

Key Facts

1.OCA2 and HERC2 are major eye-color genes
2.Brown eyes usually contain more melanin than blue eyes
3.Eye color is influenced by multiple genes, not one

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Why eye color isn’t as simple as brown vs blue."