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Cooperative unfolding of α‐keratin
Author(s) -
Feughelman M.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1966.070101211
Subject(s) - keratin , wool , fiber , basis (linear algebra) , extension (predicate logic) , value (mathematics) , chemistry , biophysics , materials science , mathematics , composite material , geometry , computer science , biology , genetics , statistics , programming language
The unfolding of the α‐helices of the microfibrils in α‐keratin fibers such as wool proceeds in a cooperative manner. When a wool fiber is extended in water, the load‐extension curve obtained indicates on the basis of relationships derived from rate process theory, that the number of α‐helical residues n that unfold simultaneously is at least 50. This is probably an underestimation, as fiber diameter variability severely reduced any estimate of the value of n . Other experimental evidence is also indicated that support the existence of considerable mechanical cooperation between α‐helical components.