Chapter 3, Problem 2TYC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The physiological consequences of genetic defects in keratin.

Introduction:

Keratin is a very common fibrous protein which is found in the hair, nails, and skin of the humans. In the skin, it is found in the epidermis and forms a protective layer. Moreover, the upper surface of the skin is coated with glycolipids, preventing the water loss from the skin. In epithelial cells, keratin protein is bound to the plasma membrane through desmosomes proteins.