Chapter 21, Problem 22A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The effect of permanent wave on the structure of the protein needs to be explained. The amino acid undergoing reaction during a permanent wave needs to be determined. The level of structure which gets affected for the hair protein needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The amino acid is termed as the monomer of proteins. The peptide linkage and other hydrogen bonds make it stable and tensile.

The hair is composed of proteins. Different types of proteins such as fibrous, helicoidal are helped to form a thin structure of proteins that is hair.

Answer to Problem 22A

The permanent wave of hair is formed by the alpha helix of keratin protein. When the alpha-helices are no longer tightly joined together to each other, the alpha-helices can changes positions.

The bond and linkage present in the structure are affected in the hair proteins.

Explanation of Solution

The formation of disulfide bonds has a direct application in producing curls in hair by the permanent wave process The structure of hair is composed of alpha-helices that are cross-interconnected with disulfide bonds from cysteine. These bonds are form keratin to elastic nature.

The protein structure is formed by the bonds and linkages, these weak hydrogen bonds in the a-helices are affected and stretched finally broken down.

Conclusion

Hair is composed of many contributing factors that affected its structure. Proteins are used as raw elements, amino acids, and bonds together to form fiber which is termed as hair. The wave-like structure of hair is formed by the cross-linked alpha-helix of the amino acids.