KERATIN
\kˈɛɹɐtˌɪn], \kˈɛɹɐtˌɪn], \k_ˈɛ_ɹ_ɐ_t_ˌɪ_n]\
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A class of fibrous proteins or scleroproteins important both as structural proteins and as keys to the study of protein conformation. The family represents the principal constituent of epidermis, hair, nails, horny tissues, and the organic matrix of tooth enamel. Two major conformational groups have been characterized, alpha-keratin, whose peptide backbone forms an alpha-helix, and beta-keratin, whose backbone forms a zigzag or pleated sheet structure.
By DataStellar Co., Ltd
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Constituent of horny matter; pills coated with keratin are insoluble in the juices of stomach, but soluble in the intestines.
By William R. Warner
By Henderson, I. F.; Henderson, W. D.
By Willam Alexander Newman Dorland
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One of the classes of protein substances, present abundantly in the horny structure of the epidermis, the hair, the hoofs, feathers, shells of tortoises, horns, etc. The k's contain an unusual amount of sulphur and yield up on hydrolytic cleavage an abundance of cystin. Used in the preparation of pills and capsules which are intended to pass through the stomach unchanged. The keratin of commerce is extremely impure, and worthless for coating pills. [Gr.]
By Smith Ely Jelliffe
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