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What is the cortex of the hair responsible for?

  1. Color of the hair

  2. Strength and elasticity of the hair

  3. Protecting the hair

  4. Absorbing nutrients

The correct answer is: Strength and elasticity of the hair

The cortex of the hair is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the hair. It is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains long strands of keratin protein, giving the hair its strength and flexibility. It also determines the texture and the shape of the hair. Option A is incorrect because the cortex does not directly determine the color of the hair, although it does contain pigment cells that give hair its natural color. Option C is incorrect because the hair's protection comes from the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft. Option D is incorrect because the absorption of nutrients occurs in the hair follicle, not in the cortex.