Collagen
Collagen is a group of proteins found in animals[1]. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the protein that occurs the most in Mammals (around up about 30% of the whole-body protein content)[2]. Collagen is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments and skin, but is also found in the cornea, cartilage, bone and blood vessels. Collagen is commonly made in the fibroblast but can be made in other places[3].
Collagen is the most diverse of the four fibre protein types (collagen, elastin, fibrillin, fibronectin), with at least 12 variations. Individual collagen molecules can pack together to form collagen fibres, which is a flexible but inelastic fibres with outstanding strength[4].
References
- ↑ Müller, Werner E. G. (2003). "The Origin of Metazoan Complexity: Porifera as Integrated Animals"
- ↑ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-collagen.htm
- ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/75022-collagen-produced/
- ↑ Silverthorn et al.,(2014) Human Physiology An Integrated Approach, Sixth Edition, Pearson Education, 91