What are the 5 functions of keratin?
- how is keratin produced
- how is keratin produced in the body
- how is keratin produced in the human body
- how is keratin made
Where is keratin found!
Structure and functions of keratin proteins
In the past, the term 'keratin' encompassed all proteins derived from skin modifications such as horns, claws, and hooves. However, it was later discovered that this keratin actually consisted of a mixture of various proteins, including keratins, keratin filament-associated proteins, and enzymes.
Keratins were then defined as specific filament-forming proteins with distinct physicochemical properties, extracted from the cornified layer of the epidermis.
Keratin structure
Filament-forming proteins extracted from the living layers of the epidermis were categorized as 'prekeratins' or 'cytokeratins'. Presently, the term 'keratin' encompasses all intermediate filament-forming proteins with specific physicochemical properties produced in any vertebrate epithelia.
Similarly, the nomenclature of epithelia as cornified, keratinized, or non-keratinized has historically been based on the belief that only the epidermis of skin modifications like horns, claws, and hooves is cornified, while the unmodified epidermis is a keratinized stratified epithelium.
All other
- how is keratin made in the body
- how is keratin manufactured