Beta-keratin

Beta-keratin or β-keratin is a type of keratin found in reptiles, birds, and other sauropsids. It is different from alpha-keratin, which is found in mammals. Beta-keratin is tougher than alpha-keratin and is responsible for the toughness of the scales, feathers, and beaks of these animals.

Etymology

The term "beta-keratin" was coined to differentiate it from "alpha-keratin". The prefix "beta" is derived from the second letter of the Greek alphabet, indicating that it was discovered or classified after alpha-keratin.

Structure

Beta-keratin is a fibrous structural protein that forms the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc. It is an inflexible, sulfur-containing protein that gives protective hardness to the epidermal tissues of these animals. The structure of beta-keratin is characterized by beta-pleated sheets, which gives it its name.

Function

Beta-keratin provides strength and rigidity to the tissues where it is found. It is responsible for the toughness of the scales, feathers, and beaks of reptiles and birds. It also provides a waterproof barrier for these animals.

Related Terms

• Keratinocyte: A cell that produces and contains keratin.
• Keratinization: The process by which keratinocytes produce more and more keratin and move from the basal layers of the skin to the surface.
• Keratosis: A condition in which there is an overgrowth of the keratin layer of the skin.

See Also

• Alpha-keratin
• Protein structure
• Reptile scale
• Bird feather

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