What is the primary structural protein in hair that makes up about 97% of its structure?

Prepare for your Chemical Texture Services Test! Achieve success with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the primary structural protein in hair that makes up about 97% of its structure?

Explanation:
Keratin proteins are the main building block of hair. Hair is made mostly of hard keratin, which forms tough filaments that pack together to create the cortex and other hair structures. These keratin filaments are cross-linked by disulfide bonds, giving hair its strength and rigidity. Because of this, keratin accounts for the vast majority of hair’s protein content—around 97%. The other proteins listed—collagen, elastin, and actin—are important in other tissues or cellular roles, but they don’t constitute the hair shaft’s bulk.

Keratin proteins are the main building block of hair. Hair is made mostly of hard keratin, which forms tough filaments that pack together to create the cortex and other hair structures. These keratin filaments are cross-linked by disulfide bonds, giving hair its strength and rigidity. Because of this, keratin accounts for the vast majority of hair’s protein content—around 97%. The other proteins listed—collagen, elastin, and actin—are important in other tissues or cellular roles, but they don’t constitute the hair shaft’s bulk.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy