Hair is a major structural component of which protein?

Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Hair is a major structural component of which protein?

Explanation:
Hair is mainly made of keratin, a tough fibrous protein that forms hard keratin in structures like hair, nails, and horns. In hair, keratin is highly cross-linked by disulfide bonds, giving the shaft its strength and rigidity. This protein is produced by keratinocytes and becomes part of the dead, keratinized cells that make up the hair fiber. Other proteins like collagen, elastin, and myosin have roles in connective tissue, skin elasticity, and muscle contraction, but they are not the primary component of hair.

Hair is mainly made of keratin, a tough fibrous protein that forms hard keratin in structures like hair, nails, and horns. In hair, keratin is highly cross-linked by disulfide bonds, giving the shaft its strength and rigidity. This protein is produced by keratinocytes and becomes part of the dead, keratinized cells that make up the hair fiber. Other proteins like collagen, elastin, and myosin have roles in connective tissue, skin elasticity, and muscle contraction, but they are not the primary component of hair.

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