A nitrogenous substance, or mixture of substances, containing sulphur in a loose state of combination, and forming the chemical basis of epidermal tissues, such as horn, hair, feathers, and the like
It is an insoluble substance, and, unlike elastin, is not dissolved even by gastric or pancreatic juice
a fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair feathers nails and hooves
this strong protein is found in skin, hair, and nails It acts as a structural protein and also provides protection Dry skin tends to have more keratin than other skin types
is a highly fibrous protein that is the primary material in the cells of the skin, hair and nails
(ker-tin) n A tough, insoluble protein substance that is the chief structural constituent of hair, nails, horns, and hoofs [Greek keras, kerat-, horn See ker-1 + -IN ]
Fibrous structural protein of hair, nails, hooves, wool, feathers, and skin. A quarter of the amino acids in keratin are cystine, whose ability to form strong bridging (disulfide) bonds with other cystine units accounts for keratin's great stability. Keratin does not dissolve in cold or hot water and does not easily undergo proteolysis. Its fibres are 10-12% longer at maximum water content (about 16%) than when dry. The sulfurous smell of burning keratin is distinctive