Structures of the ß-Keratin Filaments and Keratin Intermediate Filaments in the Epidermal Appendages of Birds and Reptiles (Sauropsids)

• Published in: Genes Vol. 12; no. 4; p. 591
• Main Author: Parry, David A D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 17.04.2021; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; Appendages; beta-Keratins - chemistry; Biological Evolution; Birds; Compression; Epidermis - chemistry; Filaments; Intermediate filaments; Intermediate Filaments - chemistry; Keratin; Microscopy; Phylogenetics; Prey; Protein Domains; Proteins; Reptiles; Review; Snakes; Tensile properties; X-ray fiber diffraction; corneous ß-proteins; keratin intermediate filaments

The epidermal appendages of birds and reptiles (the sauropsids) include claws, scales, and feathers. Each has specialized physical properties that facilitate movement, thermal insulation, defence mechanisms, and/or the catching of prey. The mechanical attributes of each of these appendages originate...