Biology Forums - Study Force

What is collagen?

The collagen molecule is a glycoprotein made into a characteristic triple helix called a collagen fibril. The enzymes that control collagen synthesis require vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a cofactor. Lack of vitamin C in the diet results in inadequate collagen production, leading to poor wound healing, fragile blood vessels that bleed easily, and a decrease in bone strength. Severe vitamin C deficiency causes the disease scurvy.

European explorers learned to carry lemons and limes on their long voyages in order to prevent this disease. Most collagen is made by fibroblasts in connective tissue, but some epithelial cells can also synthesize collagen. One form of collagen, type II, combines with glycoproteins to make the very thin fibers called reticular fibers. In certain types of connective tissue, collagen fibers are arranged in parallel into even larger collagen bundles.

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