Question

How can a gene determine whether a person has albinism (give a molecular explanation.)?

Answer 1

The TYR gene is responsible for the production of the enzyme tyrosinase which is crucial in the production of melanin which is primarily responsible for skin pigmentation and for pigmentation of other organs. In albinism, there is mutation of the TYR gene therefore there will be no transcription of DNA to mRNA and no translation of mRNA to the enzyme tyrosinase leading to its deficiency. The deficiency of tyrosinase will eventually lead to the absence of melanin and ultimately, the absence of pigmentation in an organism.