Dr Lalitha Badul
Collagen is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body.
In most collagens, the molecules are packed together to form long, thin fibrils. These act as supporting structures and anchor cells to each other. They give the skin strength and elasticity.
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In the dermis, or the middle layer of skin, collagen helps form a fibrous network of cells called fibroblasts, upon which new cells can grow. It also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells.
There are at least 16 different types of collagen, but 80 to 90 percent of them belong to types one, two and three.
These different types have different structures and functions.
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The collagens in the human body are strong and flexible. Type one collagen fibrils are particularly capable of being stretched. Gram-for-gram, they are stronger than steel.
Continued next week.
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