Keratin is a strong, fibrous protein that makes up many tough body parts in humans and animals. Think of it as the building block for things like hair, nails, skin, feathers, horns, and hooves.
What Keratin Is and Where It's Found:
- A structural protein: Keratin provides strength and structure to various tissues.
- Abundant in many body parts: It's a major component of hair, nails, skin, feathers (in birds), horns (in animals like cows and goats), hooves (in horses and other ungulates), and claws.
- Protective function: Keratin protects epithelial cells (cells that line the inside and outside surfaces of the body) from damage.
Keratin's Composition:
- Fibrous: Its fibers give it strength and resilience.
- Protein: Keratin is a type of protein, specifically a sulfur-containing fibrous protein.
- Coiled polypeptide chains: These chains combine to form strong supercoils that contribute to its tough nature.
This simple definition captures the essence of keratin as a crucial structural protein found throughout various animal tissues, contributing to their strength and protective capabilities.
