Collagen & Elastin Overview
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes fibrous proteins from globular proteins?

  • Fibrous proteins have a long and narrow shape. (correct)
  • Fibrous proteins have an irregular amino acid sequence.
  • Fibrous proteins are generally soluble in water.
  • Fibrous proteins are primarily functional in roles.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of collagen in the human body?

  • Collagen regulates metabolic processes within cells.
  • Collagen is the primary protein found in muscle fibers.
  • Collagen provides structural support in connective tissues. (correct)
  • Collagen is primarily involved in enzyme catalysis.

What is a characteristic feature of the amino acid sequence in fibrous proteins?

  • Repetitive in nature. (correct)
  • Consistently hydrophilic residues.
  • Highly variable with frequent substitutions.
  • Irregular and unpredictable.

Which disease is primarily associated with abnormalities in collagen and elastin?

<p>Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structural feature is associated with collagen and elastin?

<p>Long fibrous strands. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do fibrous proteins generally respond to changes in pH or temperature compared to globular proteins?

<p>They remain relatively stable under the same conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which tissues are collagen and elastin predominantly found?

<p>Blood vessels and connective tissue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the solubility of fibrous proteins?

<p>They are generally insoluble in water. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of elastin in the human body?

<p>To allow tissues to return to their original shape after stretching. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of hydroxyproline in collagen?

<p>Stabilizes the triple-helical structure through interchain hydrogen bonds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme requires vitamin C for its hydroxylation reactions?

<p>Prolyl hydroxylase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of vitamin C deficiency on collagen synthesis?

<p>Decreased tensile strength of collagen fibers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by defects in collagen synthesis due to mutations in the amino acid sequence?

<p>Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of Type II Osteogenesis Imperfecta?

<p>Multiple fractures in utero leading to neonatal death. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does elastin play in connective tissue?

<p>Gives rubber-like properties and tensile strength. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a clinical manifestation of collagen fiber disorder Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

<p>Tissue fragility and hyperelasticity of skin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is referred to as brittle bone syndrome?

<p>Osteogenesis Imperfecta (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid is critical for the hydroxylation process that stabilizes collagen?

<p>Proline (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lysyl hydroxylase in collagen synthesis?

<p>Participates in intermolecular cross-linking. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of proline in the collagen molecule?

<p>It facilitates the formation of the helical conformation of each α-chain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collagen is primarily found in skin and bone?

<p>Type I (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does glycine play in the structure of collagen?

<p>It is found in every third position, facilitating helix convergence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collagen forms a network in the basement membrane?

<p>Type IV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general structural characteristic of the collagen triple helix?

<p>It contains three polypeptides arranged in a rope-like fashion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acids are specifically noted for their presence in collagen?

<p>Hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Type III collagen is primarily associated with which tissue types?

<p>Blood vessels and fetal skin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hydroxyproline in collagen?

<p>It stabilizes the triple helices through hydrogen bonding. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collagen is known for linking fibrils to one another and to other extracellular matrix components?

<p>Type IX (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The collagen molecule's α-chains are primarily characterized by which of the following?

<p>A rigid structure wound in a helical pattern. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fibrous Proteins

Proteins with elongated shapes, forming rod-like structures, usually involved in structure or storage.

Globular Proteins

Proteins with a round or spherical shape, often involved in functional roles, like enzymes.

Collagen

The most abundant protein in the human body, important for structural support in tissues.

Elastin

A fibrous protein that allows tissues to stretch and recoil, important for flexibility.

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Collagen Function

Provides structural support in connective tissue, tendons, bones, and muscles.

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Elastin Function

Allows tissues to stretch and return to their original shape (recoil).

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Fibrous vs. Globular

Fibrous proteins are structural, while globular proteins are functional.

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Fibrous Protein Examples

Examples include collagen, elastin, keratin, and myosin.

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Collagen Abundance

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up 25% of the body's total protein.

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Collagen Locations

Collagen is found in skin, connective tissue, blood vessel walls, sclera, and cornea.

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Collagen Molecule Structure

A long, rigid structure composed of three polypeptide chains (α-chains) wound together like a rope.

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Collagen Type I

Most abundant type; found in skin, bone, tendon, and blood vessels characterized by a rope-like structure and banding pattern in fibrils.

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Collagen Type II

Found in cartilage and intervertebral discs.

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Collagen Type III

Found in blood vessels and fetal skin.

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Collagen Type IV

Forms a mesh-like structure in the basement membrane.

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Collagen Type IX

Links collagen fibrils and other ECM components in cartilage.

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Amino Acid Sequence (Collagen)

Rich in proline and glycine, which are crucial for the triple-helix formation.

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Proline in Collagen

Causes kinks in the peptide chain, enabling the triple-helix formation.

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Glycine in Collagen

Fills the spaces between the three α-chains in the triple helix.

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Triple-Helical Structure (Collagen)

Collagen's distinctive elongated structure, consisting of three intertwined polypeptide chains.

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Hydroxylation reactions in collagen

These reactions involve adding a hydroxyl group to proline and lysine residues in collagen, crucial for collagen's strength and structure. Vitamin C is needed for these reactions to occur.

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Vitamin C's role in collagen

Vitamin C acts as a reducing agent, enabling the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase to perform the hydroxylation of collagen, crucial for collagen fiber formation.

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Scurvy

A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, characterized by weakened collagen and resulting issues like easy bruising and bleeding due to impaired collagen.

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Collagen synthesis

Collagen production occurs in fibroblasts (and related bone/cartilage cells), creating a precursor molecule that then matures into a strong, cross-linked form suitable for tissue strength.

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Collagen cross-linking

The process that strengthens collagen fibers, making them stronger and more resistant to tearing or breaking. This process is dependent on vitamin C.

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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

A group of genetic conditions that affect collagen, resulting in hyper-flexible joints, weak skin, and tissue fragility, among other symptoms.

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Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)

A group of genetic disorders that affect collagen, leading to brittle bones prone to fractures, often with skeletal deformities.

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Type I OI

A less severe type of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, the most common type, causing some bone fragility, and other physical effects.

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Type II OI

A severe type of Osteogenesis Imperfecta that is often fatal soon after birth due to multiple, severe fractures, and respiratory problems.

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Study Notes

Collagen & Elastin Overview

  • Collagen and elastin are well-characterized fibrous proteins crucial for structural functions.
  • They are found in connective tissue, skin, blood vessel walls, and the sclera/cornea.

Fibrous vs. Globular Proteins

  • Fibrous proteins have elongated shapes (rod or wire-like), often serving as structural components.
  • Globular proteins are spherical and typically involved in functional roles, like enzymes.
  • Fibrous proteins are less sensitive to pH and temperature changes than globular proteins.

Collagen Structure

  • Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body (about 25%).
  • The collagen molecule is a long, rigid structure with three polypeptide chains (alpha-chains) wound together in a rope-like manner.
  • Collagen's structure relies heavily on its specific amino acid sequence, particularly a high content of proline and glycine.
  • Proline's ring structure creates "kinks" in the peptide chains.
  • Glycine fits into limited spaces where the three chains come together to form the triple helix.
  • Hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine are also important structural elements. These are formed by post-translational modifications.

Collagen Synthesis

  • Precursor molecules for collagen are formed in fibroblasts (bone, cartilage cells).
  • These molecules are secreted into the extracellular matrix (ECM).
  • Enzymatic modifications of the precursor molecules generate mature collagen.
  • Mature collagen monomers then aggregate and cross-link, forming collagen fibrils.
  • Various types of collagen have specific tissue distributions.

Elastin Structure

  • Elastin is another important fibrous protein.
  • Elastin's structure is rich in proline and lysine, yet it lacks hydroxylysine.
  • Elastin is an insoluble protein polymer synthesized from a precursor called tropoelastin.
  • It's composed of about 700 amino acids primarily composed of small non-polar amino acids like glycine, alanine, and valine.
  • Elastin provides elasticity and tensile strength in tissues like the lungs and large arteries.

Function of Collagen & Elastin

  • Collagen provides structural support for cells and tissues.
  • These proteins are crucial in connective tissues, tendons, bone, and muscle fibers.
  • Collagen forms long fibers with a specific structure.
  • Elastin exhibits special mechanical properties due to its structural design, allowing stretching and recoil.
  • Defects in collagen synthesis can lead to genetic diseases.
  • Examples of diseases include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).
  • OI is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by weak bones and fractures. Several subtypes exist, with varying severity.

Role of Vitamin C

  • Hydroxylation of specific amino acids (proline and lysine) requires vitamin C.
  • Without proper hydroxylation, collagen fibers are weaker and cannot form cross-links.
  • Deficiency in vitamin C (scurvy) results in impaired collagen synthesis, leading to weak connective tissues and easily bruised skin.

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Description

Explore the fundamental characteristics of collagen and elastin, two essential fibrous proteins that play a crucial role in structural integrity. Learn about their structure, functions, and differences from globular proteins in connective tissues and various organs.

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