Question

Which protein is present in the largest amount in the human body?
A. Collagen
B. Elastin
C. Albumin
D. Keratin

Answer 1

Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. It is found throughout the body, i.e., in muscle, bone, skin, hair, and virtually every other body part or tissue.

Complete Answer:
Let us analyse each given option to find out the correct answer.

Option A: Collagen is present in the largest amount in the human body. Collagen is the main structural protein of the various connective tissues in animals. Being the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals. It makes up 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Collagen, in the form of elongated fibrils, is mostly found in fibrous tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.

Option B: Elastin is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. It provides resilience and elasticity to tissues and organs. Elastin is found in connective tissues throughout the body. It is notably found in the extracellular matrix of the skin as well as the internal organs of the body. It provides elasticity such as arteries, lungs, bladder, skin, and elastic ligaments and cartilage.

Option C: Albumin is the protein of blood. It keeps fluid in the bloodstream so it doesn't leak into other tissues. It carries various substances throughout your body, including hormones, vitamins, and enzymes. Albumin composes 50%-60% of blood plasma proteins. A normal albumin range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL in a normal healthy individual.

Option D: Keratin is a fibrous structural protein of hair, nails, horn, hoofs, wool, feathers, and of the epithelial cells in the outermost layers of the skin. Keratin can also be found in your internal organs and glands. It carries important structural and protective functions.

Hence the correct answer is option A.

Note: It is to be noted that the collagen is made up of specific amino acids such as glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. It is also found abundantly in corneas, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, the gut, intervertebral discs, and the dentin in teeth.