Proteins and Collagen
Watch
Announcements
Page 1 of 1
Skip to page:
What’s collagen’s structure? Is it secondary or quaternary? Im confused? Please give a reason as well. Thanks!

0
reply
Report
#2
It has quaternary structure (as well as secondary and tertiary structure), because it exists as a triple helix with three separate collagen polypeptides twisted together forming a rope-like structure called a fibril. Each polypeptide has a repetitive structure, and the three polypeptides in a single fibril may be the same, or translated from separate but similar genes.
Last edited by Fay_Fife; 2 years ago
1
reply
Report
#3
Very good answer by Faye from Scotland (??
) above:
A little extra information if you are heading for A* in A level biology:-
Collagen is rich in the amino acids glycine and proline with the proline residues being hydroxylated to make hydroxyproline.
Also, there are at least 20 different types of collagen;
a) in the sclera of the eye [the outer coat apart from the cornea in front] has collagen fibres of varying diameter, which makes the sclera opaque.
b) the cornea contains Type I and Type IV collagen, and the fibres are arranged in a very symmetrical, ordered lattice of uniform diameter, making the cornea transparent so that light can penetrate and permit vision.
c) collagen is found in skin, tendons, cartilage.
d) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is necessary for the synthesis of collagen - hence the slow healing in scurvy (disease due to deficiency of Vitamin C).
Best of luck!
M (specialist biology tutor).

A little extra information if you are heading for A* in A level biology:-
Collagen is rich in the amino acids glycine and proline with the proline residues being hydroxylated to make hydroxyproline.
Also, there are at least 20 different types of collagen;
a) in the sclera of the eye [the outer coat apart from the cornea in front] has collagen fibres of varying diameter, which makes the sclera opaque.
b) the cornea contains Type I and Type IV collagen, and the fibres are arranged in a very symmetrical, ordered lattice of uniform diameter, making the cornea transparent so that light can penetrate and permit vision.
c) collagen is found in skin, tendons, cartilage.
d) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is necessary for the synthesis of collagen - hence the slow healing in scurvy (disease due to deficiency of Vitamin C).
Best of luck!
M (specialist biology tutor).
0
reply
X
Page 1 of 1
Skip to page:
Quick Reply
Back
to top
to top