Sulphur is associated with the strength of which structural protein?

Sulphur is associated with the strength of which structural protein?

• A. Collagen
• B. Keratin
• C. Elastin
• D. Myosin

Answer: (B)

Sulfur contributes most to the strength of keratin because it forms disulfide bonds between cysteine residues in the protein. These cross-links weave through keratin chains, creating a very rigid, tough structure that gives hair, nails, and similar keratin-rich tissues their notable strength. Other proteins rely on different features for strength: collagen gains stability from its triple-helix structure and extensive hydrogen bonding; elastin’s resilience comes from unique cross-links like desmosine; myosin is a motor protein whose function depends on movement, not sulfur-based cross-linking.

Sulfur contributes most to the strength of keratin because it forms disulfide bonds between cysteine residues in the protein. These cross-links weave through keratin chains, creating a very rigid, tough structure that gives hair, nails, and similar keratin-rich tissues their notable strength. Other proteins rely on different features for strength: collagen gains stability from its triple-helix structure and extensive hydrogen bonding; elastin’s resilience comes from unique cross-links like desmosine; myosin is a motor protein whose function depends on movement, not sulfur-based cross-linking.