OCA2 is a gene located on chromosome 15 that plays a crucial role in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes. Variations in this gene can influence an individual's pigmentation traits, leading to differences in eye color, particularly in populations with lighter eye colors. Mutations in the OCA2 gene are associated with conditions like Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 2, which results in reduced pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. Understanding OCA2 is important for studying genetic diversity and the biological mechanisms behind pigmentation in humans.