Type 1 Keratin Research Paper

My type of molecule, Proteins should be the MVP because they protect the body, help to create new molecules, give structure to many parts of the body, send messages, and they transport and store molecules and cells. The first characteristic of my molecule is its solubility. Keratin is insoluble to water this is why keratin waterproofs the skin. The second property of Keratin is it’s luster, keratin is shiny. The third characteristic of keratin is it’s texture, the texture of keratin is hard and tough. The lsta property of keratin is it’s Ph. There are two types of Keratin, type 1 keratin is acidic and type 2 keratin is basic to neutral. The elements that are found in a keratin molecule are Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Sulfur. …show more content…
Keratins role in the skin is making the skin waterproof, protecting the skin from sun damage, and protecting the skin from diseases. The cycle of keratinization is that first the keratinocytes(a cell that produces keratin) are created and divide in the first layer of the epidermis(the top layer of the skin).The second step is in the stratum spinosum where the keratinocytes begin to flatten. The third step is when the cells are in the third level of the epidermis the keratin and keratinocytes are cut off from nutrients and begin to die. The last step in the process is when the keratinocytes and keratin are dead and shed off in the top layer of the epidermis. The skin completely renews entirely every 28 days. Keratin also plays a role in the hair. The hair has three levels the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla, the keratinocytes are in the cuticle which is the outermost layer. Keratin is also found in the Medulla in pigmented cells. Another place that keratin is very important in the nails, if we didn’t have keratin in the nails we wouldn’t have nails at all. The nail also has 3 levels the root, nail edge and free body. Nails are created in the nail matrix that is around the root of the