Sign In
Learn bits
Science & Tech.
Pradeep Kumar

14/03/21 09:20 AM IST

Genetics of eye colour

In news

The researchers have now identified 50 new genes for eye colour

Eye colour
  • Eye colour is primarily determined by melanin abundance within the iris pigment epithelium, which is greater in brown than in blue eyes.
  • There are two forms of melanin – eumelanin and pheomelanin – and the ratio of the two within the iris as well as light absorption and scattering by extracellular components are additional factors that give irises their colour.
  • Absolute melanin quantity and the eumelanin–pheomelanin ratio are higher in brown irises, while blue or green irises have very little of both pigments and relatively more pheomelanin.
New finding
  • Genetic analysis of nearly 0.2 million people across Europe and Asia helped the researchers to identify the new genes.
  • The findings collectively explain over 53% of eye colour variation using common single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
  • Overall, the study outcomes demonstrate that the genetic complexity of human eye colour considerably exceeds previous knowledge and expectations, highlighting eye colour as a genetically highly complex human trait, says a release.
Source: The Hindu

More Related Current Affairs View All

10 Jan

Rural landowners in Delhi want repeal of Sections 33 and 81 of Delhi Land Reforms Act

'Both sections dealing with the use and sale of agricultural land have come under the spotlight ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.' This can only be done by the Central gove

Read More

10 Jan

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas  in Bhubaneswar.' The event is held once every two years to “honour the cont

Read More

10 Jan

Deciphering the Indus script

'Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1-million prize for experts or organisations in the event of their success in deciphering the scripts of the Indus Val

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps