Alpha-Keratin

Definition

Alpha-keratin is a structural protein found in the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells, particularly in the hair, nails, and outer layer of the skin. It is a key component of the intermediate filaments that provide strength and flexibility to these tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alpha-keratin is a member of the keratin family of proteins, which are classified as intermediate filament proteins.
2. The alpha-helical structure of alpha-keratin provides tensile strength and flexibility to the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells.
3. Disulfide bonds formed between cysteine residues in alpha-keratin further stabilize the protein structure.
4. The high content of cysteine amino acids in alpha-keratin contributes to its resistance to chemical and physical damage.
5. Alpha-keratin is essential for the structural integrity and protective function of the skin, hair, and nails.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of alpha-keratin in the structure and function of epithelial cells.
  • Alpha-keratin is a key structural protein found in the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells, where it forms intermediate filaments. These filaments provide mechanical support, shape, and flexibility to the cells, enabling them to withstand physical stress and perform their protective and functional roles in the skin, hair, and nails. The alpha-helical structure and disulfide bonds of alpha-keratin contribute to the overall stability and strength of the cytoskeleton, which is essential for the structural integrity and barrier function of epithelial tissues.
• Explain how the amino acid composition of alpha-keratin contributes to its unique properties.
  • The high cysteine content in alpha-keratin is a defining feature that confers several important properties to the protein. The cysteine residues can form disulfide bonds, which significantly increase the stability and resistance of alpha-keratin to chemical and physical damage. Additionally, the sulfur atoms in cysteine side chains can participate in cross-linking reactions, further enhancing the structural integrity of the intermediate filaments. The abundance of other non-polar amino acids, such as valine and leucine, also contributes to the hydrophobic nature and insolubility of alpha-keratin, which is essential for its role in providing a protective barrier in the skin, hair, and nails.
• Analyze the relationship between the secondary and tertiary structure of alpha-keratin and its functional significance in epithelial cells.
  • The alpha-helical secondary structure of alpha-keratin is a crucial determinant of its ability to form stable and flexible intermediate filaments within the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells. This structure, combined with the formation of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues, allows alpha-keratin to adopt a compact, yet resilient tertiary structure. This unique three-dimensional arrangement of the alpha-keratin molecules enables the intermediate filaments to withstand mechanical stress and provide structural support to the cells, which is essential for the protective and barrier functions of epithelial tissues. The interplay between the secondary and tertiary structure of alpha-keratin is directly linked to its capacity to confer strength, flexibility, and resistance to the cytoskeleton, ultimately contributing to the overall integrity and function of the epithelial cells.

Related terms

Intermediate Filaments: Cytoskeletal structures composed of alpha-keratin and other proteins that provide mechanical support and shape to cells.

Epithelial Cells: The cells that make up the outer layer of the skin and line the internal organs, providing protection and facilitating absorption and secretion.

Disulfide Bonds: Covalent bonds formed between two sulfur atoms in the side chains of cysteine amino acids, which help stabilize the alpha-keratin structure.