*Keratin is a fibrous protein composed of bundles of a-helices which gives it a spiral shape. The structure of fibrous α-helical proteins such as keratin is known, but how they respond to mechanical load at an atomic level is not well understood. (N.P. cover photo)
*The necessary elements for keratin protein are: amino acids, vitamins, minerals and sulfur derivatives.
*Keratin is actually a mixture of keratins, keratin filament-associated proteins and other proteins, such as enzymes.
*There are two different types of keratin:
*The necessary elements for keratin protein are: amino acids, vitamins, minerals and sulfur derivatives.
*Keratin is actually a mixture of keratins, keratin filament-associated proteins and other proteins, such as enzymes.
*There are two different types of keratin:
- a-keratin is composed of a long, a-helix conformation containing a repeating heptad (seven residue) amino acid sequence.a-keratin contains hundreds of filaments, each containing four protofilaments, form a microfibril. Each hair cell or fiber contains several microfibrils. Kerotin molecules along with numerous dead cells make up each strand of hair. (OUP) Hair, horns and claws of animals are made up of a-keratin. (Dr. Michael Blaber)
- b-keratin is composed of amino-acid chains structural element of silk fibers in insects and feathers in birds. (Dr. Michael Blaber)