Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins found in animals. It is the main component of extracellular connective tissue. Variations in its structure and assembly determine the different roles this protein plays in tissues to influence their mechanical properties. Structures as different as bone, teeth, blood vessel walls, cartilage, tendon, ears, skin and eyes are all predominantly collagen.
This image shows the boundary between the cornea and the sclera of the human eye, seen through a polarising optical microscope. All the colours indicate collagen, and different collagen fibre thicknesses show up as red, orange, yellow and green, with green being the thinnest. The cornea, at the front of the eye, is transparent. This contrast with the opacity of the (white) sclera has long been a mystery, as both are predominantly collagen.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
