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Collagen
Most abundant structural protein in animals / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Collagen (/ˈkɒlədʒən/) is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of a body's various connective tissues. As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals. [1] 25% to 35% of a mammalian body's protein content is collagen. Amino acids are bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibril[2] known as a collagen helix. The collagen helix is mostly found in connective tissue such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, and Vitamin E improves the production of collagen.
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Depending upon the degree of mineralization, collagen tissues may be rigid (bone) or compliant (tendon) or have a gradient from rigid to compliant (cartilage). Collagen is also abundant in corneas, blood vessels, the gut, intervertebral discs, and the dentin in teeth.[3] In muscle tissue, it serves as a major component of the endomysium. Collagen constitutes 1% to 2% of muscle tissue and accounts for 6% of the weight to skeletal muscle.[4] The fibroblast is the most common cell creating collagen in a body. Gelatin, which is used in food and industry, is collagen that was irreversibly hydrolyzed using heat, basic solutions, or weak acids.[5]