Keratin: How does its structure relate to its function?

Ive tried looking everywhere and I cant find anything for this.

Basically, the question is, "how is the function of Kerotin fascilitated by its structure".

So I need to know:

a) What is its function?
b) How its structure helps carry out its function?

....

Thnx a bunch u guys....

Reply 1

Tes

Keratins are structural proteins found in hair, wool, claws, hooves, scales, shells, beaks and feathers.

Keratins are made of mainly small amino acids such as glycine and alanine which allows for the protein strands to easily align next to each other and readily form hydrogen bonds whith each other. Also they contain a large amount of cysteine which will form disulfide bridges between dofferent protein strands. These create a insoluble, strong protein useful for hair, claws etc.

Theres more on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratin but this is the basics.