Tag: Alpha keratin

Did you know that approximately 90% of a human hair's total mass is composed of proteins? The specific, tough, fibrous protein that gives skin, hair, and nails their hardness is called keratin.

Keratin is the fundamental structural protein in the hair, skin, and nails of vertebrates. Its precise composition varies depending on the specific location and function, but at its core, this fibrous protein is a complex polymer of amino acids. This unique molecular makeup is what gives keratin its remarkable strength, durability, and resistance to environmental stressors.

Beta keratin, a protein with a rigid beta-pleated sheet structure, is found exclusively in reptiles and birds among vertebrates, setting it apart from the more common alpha-keratin found in mammals. This durable protein plays a crucial role in forming protective epidermal appendages in these animal groups. Its unique composition and structure make it less extensible and more resistant than alpha-keratin.