Fibrous Proteins

From Proteopedia

Fibrous proteins are made up of polypeptide chains that are elongated and fibrous in nature or have a sheet like structure. These fibers and sheets are mechanically strong and are water insoluble. They are often structural proteins that provide strenth and protection to cells and tissue. The α-keratins are fibrous proteins involved in the structure of hair, finger nails and horns, and their secondary structure is the α-helix with a higher level of structure being the coiled coil. Fibroins (a β-keratin) are fibrous proteins making up silk and spider webs, and their secodary structure is β-sheets. Collagen is an abundant fibrous protein in vertebrate animals being found in tendons, cartilage and bond and has a unique structure.