The Morphology And Chemical Structure Of Wool

Abstract

The morphological structure of wool is described and related to some of the physical properties of wool. The main features of the chemical composition is given of the various morphological compounds, viz. cuticle (epicuticle, exocuticle and endocuticle), cell membrane complex and cortex (orthocortex, paracortex, macrofibrils and microfibrils). The structure and chemistry of microfibrils, matrix and protofibrils is still a matter of controversy. Sequences are available for members of two families of high-sulphur proteins, one high-glycine-tyrosine protein and partial sequences for several families of low-sulphur proteins. It is likely that the microfibrils consist largely but not entirely of low-sulphur protein. © 1976, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.