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Proteins are amino
acids joined by peptide bonds. The
main proteins of interest in tanning are structural proteins:
| keratin |
The
main constituent of the epidermis, a very thin outer layer
of skin which is removed before tanning, along with the hair
which is also largely composed of keratin. |
| collagen |
A
fibrous protein which is the main constituent of skin and
the part which is turned into leather by tanning. The collagen
in skin forms a complex interwoven structure of fibres which
give leather its strength and flexability. |
| elastin |
A fibrous protein
with high elasticity which is present in the skin in much
smaller quantities than collagen. Concentrated in the grain
layer of skin, where it can comprise 3% of the protein mass,
elastin contributes greatly to the elasticity of skin.
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