Keratin
[ker-uh-tin] /ˈkɛr ə tɪn/
noun
1.
a scleroprotein or albuminoid substance, found in the dead outer skin layer, and in horn, hair, feathers, hoofs, nails, claws, bills, etc.
/ˈkɛrətɪn/
noun
1.
a fibrous protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, etc
n.
basic substance of horns, nails, feathers, etc., 1847, from Greek keras (genitive keratos) “horn” (see kerato-) + chemical suffix -in (2).
keratin ker·a·tin (kěr’ə-tĭn)
n.
Any of a group of scleroproteins or albuminoids that contain large amounts of sulfur and are the chief structural constituents of hair, nails, and other horny tissues.
keratin
(kěr’ə-tĭn)
Any of a class of tough, fibrous proteins that are the main structural component of hair, nails, horns, feathers, and hooves. Keratins are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, especially cysteine. Individual keratin molecules are entwined helically around each other in long filaments, which are cross-linked by bonds between sulfur atoms on different chains. The twining and cross-linking produce strength and toughness.
Read Also:
- Keratinase
keratinase ker·a·tin·ase (kěr’ə-tn-ās’, -āz’) n. Any of various enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of keratin.
- Keratinization
[ker-uh-tn-ahyz] /ˈkɛr ə tnˌaɪz/ verb (used with or without object), keratinized, keratinizing. 1. to make or become keratinous. /kɪˈrætɪˌnaɪz; ˈkɛrətɪ-/ verb 1. to become or cause to become impregnated with keratin keratinization ker·a·tin·i·za·tion (kěr’ə-tn-ĭ-zā’shən) n. The conversion of squamous epithelial cells into a horny material, such as nails. Also called cornification.
- Keratinized
[ker-uh-tn-ahyz] /ˈkɛr ə tnˌaɪz/ verb (used with or without object), keratinized, keratinizing. 1. to make or become keratinous. /kɪˈrætɪˌnaɪz; ˈkɛrətɪ-/ verb 1. to become or cause to become impregnated with keratin
- Keratinize
[ker-uh-tn-ahyz] /ˈkɛr ə tnˌaɪz/ verb (used with or without object), keratinized, keratinizing. 1. to make or become keratinous. /kɪˈrætɪˌnaɪz; ˈkɛrətɪ-/ verb 1. to become or cause to become impregnated with keratin
- Keratinosome
keratinosome ke·rat·i·no·some (kə-rāt’n-ə-sōm’, kěr’ə-tĭn’ə-) n. A membrane-bound granule in the upper layers of the prickle cell layer of certain stratified squamous epithelia. Also called membrane-coating granule.