What is the Difference Between Alpha Keratin and Beta Keratin?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Alpha keratin and beta keratin are two forms of structural proteins found in different groups of animals. The main differences between them include their occurrence, structure, and function.
- Occurrence: Alpha keratin is found in all vertebrates, including mammals, while beta keratin is found exclusively in reptiles and birds.
- Structure: Alpha keratin has an alpha-helical coiled coil structure, while beta keratin has twisted beta sheets. Beta keratin is harder than alpha keratin.
- Function: Alpha keratin provides mammals with waterproofing and prevention of desiccation. Beta keratin is present in reptile skin, providing waterproofing and prevention of desiccation. In birds, the scales, beaks, claws, and feathers contain beta keratin.
In summary, alpha keratin is a structural protein found in mammals, while beta keratin is found in reptiles and birds. They have different structures and functions, with alpha keratin providing mammals with waterproofing and beta keratin adding rigidity to reptilian skin and bird feathers.
Comparative Table: Alpha Keratin vs Beta Keratin
Alpha keratin and beta keratin are two different types of keratin proteins found in the animal kingdom. Here is a table comparing their differences:
Property | Alpha Keratin | Beta Keratin |
---|---|---|
Occurrence | Found in mammals | Found in reptiles and birds |
Structure | Fibrous, structural protein with amino acids forming a repeating secondary structure | Structural protein found in the epidermal stratum corneum of reptiles, rich in stacked beta pleated sheets |
Function | Provides waterproofing and prevents desiccation in mammals | Adds rigidity to reptile skin, provides waterproofing and prevents desiccation |
Location | Occurs in hair, horns, nails, and the epidermal layer of skin | Occurs in reptile skin, particularly in epidermal stratum corneum |
Alternative Names | - | "Corneous beta-proteins" or "keratin associated beta proteins" |
In summary, alpha keratin is a fibrous, structural protein found in mammals, while beta keratin is a structural protein found in reptiles and birds. Alpha keratin provides waterproofing and prevents desiccation in mammals, while beta keratin adds rigidity to reptile skin and also provides waterproofing and prevents desiccation.
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