Why Is Red Hair So Rare

The gene that produces red hair is recessive which is why its so rare.

Why is red hair so rare. Based on the Punnett Square they would be the rarest when in combination with dominant genes or genotypes. This is the same gene that causes freckles and pale skin guess that explains why all three tend to go hand-in-hand. Yes red hair is a genetic mutation albeit a stunning one which relates to an imbalance of melanin in the bodys skin and hair cells.

And when you meet a red head with blue eyes you are looking at the rarest colour combination of all for human beings. The reason for these attitudes and associations is complicated and lies partly in the origins of red hair and the human reaction to things that are different. Only 1 2 of the entire worlds population naturally have red hair.

Thus you will find people with red hair coming from the same country or race. That means both parents must carry a copy of the gene to produce a. The myth about rare blue eyes in redheads is based on the theory that brown eyes are dominant but it doesnt apply to us.

Red hair is technically due to a mutation in a gene called the Melanocortin 1 Receptor or MC1R. The reason why this combination is so rare is because red hair and blue eyes are both recessive genes. It is less likely there kids will have red hair also.

The melanocortin 1 receptor MC1R gene causes the body to produce more pheomelanin which is responsible for red and ginger hair tones. For a child to be born a redhead both parents must be. It is an extremely rare trait to have naturally red hair.

Redheads nay everyone can appreciate how precious and wonderful having hair is. Redheads have two copies of a recessive gene which causes a change in a protein named MC1R. But people can carry and pass on the redhead gene without actually being redheads themselves.