PROCOLLAGEN Meaning and
Definition
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Procollagen is a protein precursor that is involved in the production and formation of collagen, a major structural component found in various tissues of the body, including the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It serves as an intermediate step in the process of collagen biosynthesis, wherein procollagen molecules are eventually converted into mature collagen fibers.
Procollagen is synthesized and secreted by specialized cells called fibroblasts or chondroblasts. It has a unique structure consisting of three parallel polypeptide chains known as alpha chains, which are tightly wound around each other in a triple helix conformation. The amino acid composition of procollagen differs from that of mature collagen, as it contains specific sequences at both ends of the molecule called propeptides or N- and C-terminal propeptides. These propeptides are crucial for the stabilization and assembly of the procollagen molecule.
Following secretion, procollagen undergoes enzymatic modifications to remove the propeptides, resulting in the formation of mature collagen. These enzymatic cleavages are essential for collagen fibrillogenesis, where multiple collagen molecules are cross-linked together to form strong and flexible fibers.
The production of procollagen is influenced by various factors, including gene expression, hormonal regulation, and external stimuli like growth factors and mechanical stress. Mutations in the genes encoding procollagen can lead to disorders characterized by abnormal collagen synthesis, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta.
Overall, procollagen plays a crucial role in the synthesis, maturation, and organization of collagen, contributing to the structural integrity and functional properties of connective tissues throughout the body.
Common Misspellings for PROCOLLAGEN
- orocollagen
- lrocollagen
- -rocollagen
- 0rocollagen
- peocollagen
- pdocollagen
- pfocollagen
- ptocollagen
- p5ocollagen
- p4ocollagen
- pricollagen
- prkcollagen
- prlcollagen
- prpcollagen
- pr0collagen
- pr9collagen
- proxollagen
- provollagen
- profollagen
- prodollagen
Etymology of PROCOLLAGEN
The word "Procollagen" is derived from the Greek roots "pro-", meaning "before" or "in front of", and "kolla", meaning "glue" or "glue together".
Collagen is a structural protein found in the extracellular matrix, connective tissues, and various body parts. It provides strength, structure, and elasticity to tissues such as skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage.
"Procollagen" refers to the precursor molecule or the initial form of collagen. It is produced by cells and consists of three polypeptide chains wrapped around each other in a triple helix. Procollagen molecules are later modified and cross-linked to form mature collagen, which gives tissues their strength and integrity. The term "Procollagen" signifies that it is an early stage in the production of collagen.
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