Question

Protein present in hair is:
A. Albumin
B. Globulin
C. Keratin
D. Chromoprotein

Answer 1

Hint:
Keratin is one of a family of fibrous structure proteins known as scleroproteins. Hair strands are also fibrous.

Complete step by step answer:
Hair grows out of follicles located in the junction between the deep layer of dermis and the hypodermis. These follicles are also known as hair bulbs.
Blood flow is supplied by a small vessel that passes through the inside of the hair shaft, thus providing the hair with all the vital elements it needs to remain healthy such as amino acid, mineral salts and vitamins.
The hair shaft is surrounded by glands, the most important being the sebaceous gland, which provides sebum that acts as natural lubricant for the hair.
The hair is made up of 95% keratin, a fiber, helicoidal protein that forms the part of skin. It also makes up nails.
Keratin is synthesized by keratinocytes and is insoluble in water, thus ensuring impermeability and protein for the hair.
Some 18 amino acids can be found in hair such as proline, threonine, leucine, and arginine. Keratin is particularly rich in cysteine, a type of sulphurated amino acid which forms disulfide bonds between molecules, adding rigidity and resistance to the entire structure.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Additional Information:
1. Albumin is a family of globular proteins, the most common of which are the serum albumins. All the protein of albumin family is water soluble, moderately soluble in concentrated salt solution and experiences heat denaturation. Albumins are mainly found in blood plasma and differ from other blood proteins in that they are not glycosylated.
2. The globulin is the family of globular proteins that have higher molecular weight then albumins and are insoluble in pure water but dissolve in dilute salt solutions. Some globulins are produced in livers, while others are made from immune systems. Globulins are also major blood proteins.
3. Chromoprotein is a conjugated protein that contains a pigmented prosthetic group. A common example is hemoglobin, that contains heme cofactor which is iron containing molecules that make oxygenated blood appear red.

Note:
Keratin functions as biological structure material and is an example of fibrous protein.
The most thoroughly investigated keratin is the hair keratin, particularly that of wool. It consists of a mixture of peptides with high and low cystine contents.