Structural Proteins Flashcards
1
Q
List the intracellular structural protein(s)
A
Keratin
2
Q
List the extracellular structural protein(s)
A
- Collagen
- Elastin
3
Q
Keratin
A
- Structural protein
- Found in skin, hair, nails hoofs and feathers
- High stability from cysteine disulphide bonds
4
Q
Alpha-keratin
A
- Consist of alpha helices
- Forms b-keratin at high temp
- Stabilised by disulphide bonds
- Hair, wool, nail, hoof
5
Q
Beta-keratin
A
- Stronger than alpha-keratin
- Beta-pleated sheet
- Feathers and reptile scales
6
Q
Disulphide bonds in keratin can be reduced by…
A
Thioglycol
or another reducing agent
7
Q
Composition of wool
A
- 3 alpha keratin macromolecules → 1 Protofibril
- 11 protofibrils → 1 Microfibril
- Microfibril → Macrofibril
- Macrofibril → Wool fibre
8
Q
What stabilises the polypeptide chain of keratin?
A
Disulphide bonds
9
Q
Cells on the outer layer of the epidermis
A
- Dead cells
- Held together by a network of keratin fibres
- Provided by keratinocytes
10
Q
Synthesis of keratin
A
- Pre-keratin produced in cells
- Skin cells mature and become keratinized
- Cells of the stratum basale go upwards
- Keratin-containing stratum corneum formed
11
Q
Keratin can be degraded by…
A
- Thioglycolates
- Keratinase (moth larvas)
12
Q
List the extracellular matrix components
A
- Collagen
- Elastin
- Fibronectin
- Laminin
- Proteoglycans
13
Q
Collagen (extracellular)
A
- Very abundant fibrous protein
- Insoluble in water
- Skin, bone tendon, cartilage blood vessels
- Not found in plants
14
Q
Structure of collagen
A
- Basic unit: Tropocollagen (triple helix structure)
- Striated
- Gly & Pro / hydroxyPro / hydroxyLys are prominant in the peptide chains
15
Q
How does a lack of vitamin C cause scurvey?
A
- Vitamin C needed for collagen synthesis
- Bleeding gums, loosening teeth