Molecular structure and mechanical properties of keratins. | |
MedLine Citation:
|
PMID: 6166998 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
|
Keratinized epidermal appendages have mechanical properties which are typical of those expected for composite materials with a filament-matrix texture. At 100% relative humidity the matrix is highly hydrated, mechanically weak and exhibits viscoelastic behaviour. As the water content is reduced the matrix becomes progressively stiffer until at 0% relative humidity its properties approach those of the filaments. In the normally encountered range of relative humidities the advantages of such a texture are that stress is evenly distributed over the filaments, which constitute the load-bearing elements, thus preventing the propagation of cracks from local imperfections. Based on studies of synthetic filament-matrix composites potentialities for the adaptation of the mechanical properties to specific functions are to be found in variation of the properties of the filaments and the matrix and also of the cross-linking. Since keratin is a filament-matrix composite at the molecular level the great diversity of molecular species presumably has its origin in such adaptation. Superimposed on filament and matrix composition and properties are the variables of filament orientation and proportion and there is abundant evidence that many of the subtler properties of keratinized appendages stem from variations in these factors. |
Authors:
|
R D Fraser; T P Macrae |
Related Documents
:
|
15927928 - Enhancing health benefits of berries through phenolic antioxidant enrichment: focus on ... 23411308 - Detection, isolation and characterisation of cyclolinopeptides j and k in ageing flax. 20047868 - The evolution of floral biology in basal angiosperms. 9849358 - Functional food science and behaviour and psychological functions. 17398038 - Haloperidol, dynamics of choice, and the parameters of the matching law. 17032038 - Effectiveness of ionizing radiation in reducing furan and acrylamide levels in foods. |
Publication Detail:
|
Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
|
Title: Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology Volume: 34 ISSN: 0081-1386 ISO Abbreviation: Symp. Soc. Exp. Biol. Publication Date: 1980 |
Date Detail:
|
Created Date: 1981-09-25 Completed Date: 1981-09-25 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
|
Nlm Unique ID: 0404517 Medline TA: Symp Soc Exp Biol Country: ENGLAND |
Other Details:
|
Languages: eng Pagination: 211-46 Citation Subset: IM |
Export Citation:
|
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
|
Animals Biomechanics Birds Elasticity Epidermis / analysis, anatomy & histology Feathers / analysis Humans Keratins* / analysis, classification Reptiles X-Ray Diffraction |
Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
|
68238-35-7/Keratins |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: Regulation of wound-healing angiogenesis-effect of oxygen gradients and inspired oxygen concentratio...
Next Document: Common antigenic sites in human, bovine and porcine fibrinogens.