Keratins are not materials of unique amino acid and protein composition. A wide range of compositions over which satisfactory structure-function is achieved has been found; for example the half-cystine content of wool falls in the range 8% to 15%, and that of tyrosine 2.3% to 4.6%. Variations in composition occur not only between fibres from different individuals of a species but also along the length of fibres from the one animal. Protein composition may be influenced by the genetic origin, nutritional status and physiological state of the animal.
CITATION STYLE
Marshall, R. C., & Gillespie, J. M. (1988). Variations in the Proteins of Wool and Hair. In The Biology of Wool and Hair (pp. 117–125). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-9702-1_8
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