Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fibrous, insoluble protein that is the primary structural component of connective tissues in animals, including bone, cartilage, tendon, skin, and ligaments. It is the most abundant protein in mammals and yields gelatin when boiled.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Collagen provides strength and elasticity to the skin.
  • The tendon's toughness is due to its high collagen content.
  • As we age, our bodies produce less collagen.

Advanced Usage

• Collagen fibers: The long, bundled strands formed by collagen molecules, providing tensile strength to tissues.
  • Collagen fibers are arranged in a parallel fashion in tendons.
• Collagen synthesis: The biological process by which cells produce collagen.
  • Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis.

Variants and Related Words

• Collagenous (adj): Relating to, consisting of, or resembling collagen.
  • The collagenous matrix gives bone its flexibility.
• Collagenase (n): An enzyme that breaks down collagen.
  • Certain bacteria produce collagenase to invade tissues.

Synonyms

• Structural protein: A protein that provides support and shape to cells and tissues.
• Scleroprotein: A simple protein that is insoluble in water and serves a structural function; collagen is a type of scleroprotein.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Collagen supplement: A nutritional product intended to support the body's collagen levels.
  • She takes a collagen supplement for joint health.
• Collagen degradation: The breakdown of collagen, often associated with aging or disease.
  • Sun exposure can accelerate collagen degradation in the skin.

Noun

1. a fibrous scleroprotein in bone and cartilage and tendon and other connective tissue; yields gelatin on boiling