Kerratin Research Paper

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Have you ever wondered what your nails, hair or even your cartilage is made out of? Well, the main component in creating of some of our bodies necessities is Keratin. Humans have at least 54 functional keratin genes, these make a family of genes called the “KRT Family”. These 54 different genes are categorized into Type I and Type II. This family’s main job is to provide instructions to create proteins called keratins, but what is the point of these “keratin protein” ? Keratin is part of the family of fibrous structural proteins and is the key component in creating the outer layer of skin (cartilage), hair, nails, and teeth for humans. This essential protein is created from the combination of 18 different amino acids, one especially notable one being cysteine, which is rich in sulfur. This important protein plays an important role in the cohesion of hair, this is produced by keratinocytes and within the cornified layer of the epidermis, there are large amounts of keratinocytes in keratin filaments. …show more content…

Keratin monomers assemble together in groups to form intermediate filaments. These filaments are tough and form extremely strong and create strong unmineralized epidermal appendages which are found in reptiles, birds, amphibians and mammals. Also, keratin can help other animals by creating horns, hooves and claws for many

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