The genes linked to red hair (2024)

FAQs

The genes linked to red hair? ›

Red hair is caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene. It's also a recessive trait, so it takes both parents passing on a mutated version of the MC1R gene to produce a redheaded child. Because it's a recessive trait, red hair can easily skip a generation.

A gene called MC1R plays a role in whether someone will have red hair. People who have certain variants in this gene are more likely to have red hair because they have higher levels of pheomelanin.

For example, one gene, MC1R, is tied to both freckles and red hair. If both copies of the gene have the same genetic variant, then you're a redhead. If only one copy has the variant, then you'll get freckles—but not always.

Assertion :The non-allelic gene for red hair and freckles are usually inherited together. Reason: The genes for red hair freckles are located on same chromosome in close association.

Hair color is an inherited feature determined by the gene copies a child gets from both parents. About 90% of the global population have dark hair, with just a few exceptions. Globally, 1-2% of the population has red hair, which is considered rare.

The one that takes precedent is the dominant gene. Red hair is a recessive gene, so your husband has two red hair genes. The only way for your child to have red hair is if you have a recessive red gene (being covered by the dominant brown hair gene) and that is the gene that gets passed onto the baby.

Only 2 percent of the world's 7.7 billion humans have naturally red hair. It's in their genes — specifically the one called MC1R. If your hair is red, your MC1R gene will have a mutation (or possibly several). These variants also affect melanin production (most redheads have freckles too).

Genetics, namely two copies of the MC1R gene, can put people with red hair at a higher risk of skin cancer. They may also be at a higher risk of developing colorectal, ovarian, or cervical cancers. Redheads may also be at increased risk for Parkinson's disease, sunburn, and aging-related skin changes.

Linked genes are genes located close together on the same chromosome. They are usually (but not always) inherited together. Each chromosome is made of one long strand of DNA, which codes for hundreds or thousands of different genes. Each gene has a specific location, or locus, on its chromosome.

Linkage explains why certain characteristics are frequently inherited together. For example, genes for hair color and eye color are linked, so certain hair and eye colors tend to be inherited together, such as blonde hair with blue eyes and brown hair with brown eyes. What other human traits seem to occur together?

What is the gene that affects hair color? ›

The best-studied hair-color gene in humans is called MC1R. This gene provides instructions for making a protein called the melanocortin 1 receptor, which is involved in the pathway that produces melanin.

In some cases, the answer is yes. Genes that are sufficiently close together on a chromosome will tend to "stick together," and the versions (alleles) of those genes that are together on a chromosome will tend to be inherited as a pair more often than not. This phenomenon is called genetic linkage.

We know that brown hair genes dominate over blonde, red and other hair colours. This means that blonde or red hair is only possible by having two matching recessive genes.

Only 2% of the world's population has red hair, which is why it's extremely rare to see Black people with crimson features. But they do exist.

Inheritance of red hair

MC1R is a recessive gene. This means that two copies (one inherited from each parent) are required for the trait to be observed. In this case, two copies of the variant are required for the child to be a redhead.

Since you need two pieces of “red hair” DNA to have red hair, your child will only have red hair if they receive “red hair” DNA from both parents. Even if you don't have red hair, you can still pass on a red hair allele to your child!

Northern and Northwestern Europe

Red hair is most commonly found at the northern and western fringes of Europe; it is centred around populations in the British Isles and is particularly associated with the Celtic nations.

Previous studies had shown that redheads inherit two versions of the MC1R gene that leads to red hair – one from their mum and one from their dad. Although almost everyone with red hair has two copies of the red-haired version of MC1R, not everyone carrying two red-haired versions is a redhead.

Certain genetic changes in the MC1R gene modify the appearance of people with oculocutaneous albinism type 2. This form of albinism, which is caused by mutations in the OCA2 gene, is characterized by fair hair, light-colored eyes, creamy white skin, and vision problems.

Fun facts about red hair strands

Redheads are less likely to go grey. The pigment in red hair typically fades over time from red to blonde and white, but not grey. Redheads produce more Vitamin D in a shorter amount of time than people with other hair colors.