AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Exposure to UV radiation, which comes from the sun and from tanning lights and beds, can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

Detailed explanation-2: -The most common change in melanoma cells is a mutation in the BRAF oncogene, which is found in about half of all melanomas. Other genes that can be affected in melanoma include NRAS, CDKN2A, and NF1. (Usually only one of these genes is affected.)

Detailed explanation-3: -Melanoma is caused by skin cells that begin to develop abnormally. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is thought to cause most melanomas, but there’s evidence to suggest that some may result from sunbed exposure. The type of sun exposure that causes melanoma is sudden intense exposure.

Detailed explanation-4: -Melanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin pigment, which gives skin its color. Where is it usually found? Melanomas often resemble moles and sometimes may arise from them.

Detailed explanation-5: -Melanoma starts in cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells are in the deep layer of the epidermis between the layer of basal cells. Melanocytes make a pigment called melanin. This gives skin its natural colour.