Nails, unlike living organisms, cannot reproduce. They are made of a protein called keratin, which is a dead tissue. While nails can grow, this is not a form of reproduction, but rather a process of the nail plate being pushed forward from the nail matrix.
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
- Nail growth: Starts at the nail matrix, a living area under the skin at the base of your fingernail.
- Keratin production: The nail matrix produces keratin, which forms the nail plate.
- Nail plate growth: The nail plate is pushed forward as new keratin is produced, making it appear as if the nail is growing.
- Nail tip: The tip of the nail is the oldest part and is the part that we trim.
Therefore, while nails can grow longer, they do not reproduce in the traditional sense of creating new individuals.
