what is chemical constituents of keratin?
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Answer:
Keratin (/ˈkɛrətɪn/[1][2]) is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins known as scleroproteins. α-Keratin is a type of keratin found in vertebrates. It is the key structural material making up scales, hair, nails, feathers, horns, claws, hooves, calluses, and the outer layer of skin among vertebrates. Keratin also protects epithelial cells from damage or stress. Keratin is extremely insoluble in water and organic solvents. Keratin monomers assemble into bundles to form intermediate filaments, which are tough and form strong unmineralized epidermal appendages found in reptiles, birds, amphibians, and mammals.[3][4] The only other biological matter known to approximate the toughness of keratinized tissue is chitin.[5][6][7] Keratin comes in two types, the primitive, softer forms found in all vertebrates and harder, derived forms found only among sauropsids (reptiles and birds). Keratin resists digestion, which is why cats regurgitate hairballs.
Microscopy of keratin filaments inside cells.
Spider silk is classified as keratin, although production of the protein may have evolved independently of the process in vertebrates.