Relations of various collagens, elastin, resilin and fibroin

Abstract

1. 1. The fibrous and membranous types of collagens have a common origin. Similar development has occurred in both collagens with regard to the amino acid composition to increase the heat stability. 2. 2. During the evolution of fibrous collagen the amino acids with short side chains have increased to facilitate a close packing. 3. 3. Between mammalian membranous and earthworm cuticular collagen there is no more similarity in the amino acid composition than between vertebrate and invertebrate collagens. Resilin and certain type of silk fibroin resemble invertebrate collagens.