Sophia Delgado
Keratin is a protein that is produced naturally in the human body and is responsible for keeping hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong. It is present in both hair and fingernails, and its strength in these areas is reflected in their appearance and texture. Nails, for example, are formed by a long string of follicles chained together, creating a sturdy sheet, while hair is made up of small keratin-producing cells that form individual keratin cylinders, resulting in a flimsier structure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Keratin? | Keratin is a protein that makes up hair and nails. |
| Strength | The strength of hair and nails reflects the amount of Keratin in them. |
| Breakage | Low amounts of Keratin can lead to hair strand breakage and brittle nails. |
| Growth | The build-up of Keratin on hair strands promotes hair growth by creating stronger, longer, and fuller hair. |
| Protection | Keratin protects nails from damage by making them strong and resilient. |
| Gender Dependence | The α-keratin of males has more disulphide bonds, and more β-sheet and random coil secondary structures, but fewer α-helical regions. |
| Melanin | Fingernails either don't contain any melanin or only have a specific amount, which is why they don't vary in colour like hair. |
| Geometry | Nails are formed by a long string of follicles chained together, forming a sheet rather than cylinders. |
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What You'll Learn
- Nails are made of alpha-keratin, which is formed of fibrillar keratins and globular keratin-associated proteins
- Keratin is a protein that your body produces naturally
- Nails are harder than hair due to the geometry of their keratin structure
- Nails and hair can be used as a diagnostic material in medicine, toxicology and criminology
- The strength of nails and hair reflects the amount of keratin in them
Nails are made of alpha-keratin, which is formed of fibrillar keratins and globular keratin-associated proteins
Fingernails and hair are both made of keratin, a scleroprotein (fibrous protein) that contains large amounts of sulfur. Keratin is one of the three main classes of protein, the other two being globular and conjugated. The basic macromolecules that form keratin are polypeptide chains, which exist in either curled helical conformation (α – keratin) or side-by-side pleated conformation (β – keratin).
Α-keratin, which forms the structure of nails, is composed of fibrillar keratins and globular keratin-associated proteins (KAPs). It is an insoluble biomaterial containing microfibrils of keratin proteins (7–10 nm in diameter) immersed in a matrix of globular KAPs. The α-keratins can be classified as "hard" or "soft". Hard keratins, which constitute 80-90% of nail plates, have relatively ordered microfibrils that give the tissue toughness. On the other hand, soft keratins, which make up the remaining 10-20% of nail plates, contain loosely packed bundles of cytoplasmic microfibrils that provide mechanical resilience to epithelial cells.
The microfibrils of α-keratin are assembled as coiled coils, with two right-handed helical polypeptide chains twisted together to form a dimer. Eight of these protofibril units then polymerize to form an intermediate filament (IF) or microfibril. In human hair, these IFs are arranged in a unique alignment with a diameter of ~7 nm and a spacing of 10 nm, enclosed by a non-filamentous protein matrix.
The structure and composition of α-keratin in nails show sex-related differences. For example, male fingernails have more disulfide bonds and β-sheet and random coil secondary structures, but fewer α-helical regions compared to female fingernails. These differences in amino acid composition are influenced by sex hormones, which can affect the relative abundance of the α-helix and β-sheet regions and regulate the amount of disulfide bonds.
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Keratin is a protein that your body produces naturally
Keratin is formed differently in hair and nails. Hair follicles are a group of small keratin-producing cells that produce keratin cylinders. The newly formed keratin pushes older keratin up and out, forming a hair strand. Hair is flimsy because it has a small cross-section. Nails, on the other hand, are formed by a long string of follicles chained together. They form a sheet rather than cylinders, and this sheet is thicker and sturdier than hair.
The build-up of keratin in nails leads to longer nails that surpass the nail bed and nail strength that creates endurance to everyday wear and tear. Similarly, the build-up of keratin on hair strands promotes hair growth by creating stronger, longer, and fuller hair.
There are 54 kinds of keratin in the human body. The type of keratin found in nails is called alpha-keratin, which is formed of fibrillar keratins and globular keratin-associated proteins. The alpha-keratin of males has more disulphide bonds, more beta-sheet and random coil secondary structures, and fewer alpha-helical regions than that of females.
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Nails are harder than hair due to the geometry of their keratin structure
Keratin is a protein that is produced naturally in the human body. It is a basic component of hair, skin, and nails. Nails and hair are both made of keratin, but their structures are different. The difference in structure is what makes nails harder than hair.
Hair follicles are a group of small keratin-producing cells that produce keratin cylinders. The newly formed keratin pushes the older keratin up and out, forming a hair. Hair is flimsy because it has a small cross-section. On the other hand, nails are formed by a long string of follicles chained together. They form a sheet rather than cylinders. The sheet is thicker and sturdier than hair.
The keratin in nails is called alpha-keratin, which is formed of fibrillar keratins and globular keratin-associated proteins. The alpha-keratin of nails can have different compositions in males and females. For example, the α-keratin of males has more disulphide bonds, and more β-sheet and random coil secondary structures, but fewer α-helical regions. The higher content of disulphide bonds is possible in the α-keratin of males despite the slightly lower Cys content, and it renders their fingernail plates stiffer than those of females.
Additionally, nails do not contain melanin, or only have a specific amount, which is why they always have a similar appearance.
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Nails and hair can be used as a diagnostic material in medicine, toxicology and criminology
Fingernails and hair are made of a tough protein called keratin. They are similar body tissues that accumulate metals circulating in the bloodstream, and their growth patterns reflect past or chronic exposure to these metals. This makes hair and nails useful diagnostic tools in medicine, toxicology, and criminology.
In medicine, nail analysis has been used as a diagnostic tool since ancient times. Nutrient deficiencies, drug reactions, or poisoning can be located through nail analysis. Nails reflect toxic exposure during the period of their growth. Toenails, for example, can be used to assess the essential and toxic element levels in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Hair and nails can also be used to assess exposure to environmental pollution with heavy metals. They are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for worldwide environmental monitoring. For example, a study found higher concentrations of metals in the nails and hair of people living in polluted areas.
In toxicology, hair and nail samples can be used to detect and measure drugs, chemicals, and biological substances. Their advantages as samples include easy and non-invasive collection, small sample size, and easy storage at room temperature. For example, heavy metal poisoning can be diagnosed through the analysis of hair or nail samples.
In criminology, stable (2)H isotope analysis of modern-day human hair and nails can aid in forensic human identification. Additionally, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can be used on human nails for forensic screening of long-term alcohol consumption.
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The strength of nails and hair reflects the amount of keratin in them
Keratin is a protein that the human body produces naturally. It is found in hair, nails, skin, glands, and organs, and it provides support and protection. Nails and hair are both made of keratin, but they have different structures. Hair follicles are a group of small keratin-producing cells that produce keratin cylinders. Nails, on the other hand, are formed by a long string of follicles chained together, forming a sheet rather than cylinders. This sheet structure makes nails thicker and stiffer than hair.
The strength of nails and hair is influenced by the amount of keratin they contain. Nails with higher levels of keratin are stronger and more durable, while those with lower levels are more prone to breakage and brittleness. Similarly, hair with adequate keratin is stronger and less prone to breakage. Keratin treatments and products are often used to improve hair strength and appearance, reduce frizz, and promote hair growth.
The structure of keratin in nails and hair also contributes to their strength. In nails, the keratin forms a sheet that gives them their stiffness and durability. In hair, the keratin forms cylinders, resulting in a smaller cross-sectional area that makes hair more flexible and flimsy.
Additionally, the type of keratin and its chemical composition can impact the strength of nails and hair. For example, male fingernails tend to have more disulfide bonds and β-sheet structures in their α-keratin, making their nail plates stiffer than those of females.
Overall, the strength of nails and hair is influenced by the amount of keratin they contain, the structure of keratin, and its chemical composition. While keratin treatments and products can enhance the strength and appearance of hair and nails, it is important to note that individual results may vary, and there are no conclusive studies showing the effectiveness of keratin supplements for hair strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, both finger nails and hair are made of keratin. Keratin is a protein that your body produces naturally. It helps keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong.
The strength of your hair and nails reflects the amount of keratin in them. Keratin build-up creates a strong structural hair strand that builds endurance to heat damage, colour damage, and hair breakage. Similarly, the build-up of keratin in nails leads to longer nails that surpass the nail bed and nail strength that creates endurance to everyday wear and tear.
You can help your body produce more keratin by eating keratin-rich foods and taking supplements. Keratin shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin hydrolysates may also strengthen your hair and improve its appearance.
