Lexic.us

Definition of Elastin

1. Noun. A fibrous scleroprotein found in elastic tissues such as the walls of arteries.

Definition of Elastin

1. n. A nitrogenous substance, somewhat resembling albumin, which forms the chemical basis of elastic tissue. It is very insoluble in most fluids, but is gradually dissolved when digested with either pepsin or trypsin.

Definition of Elastin

1. a bodily protein [n -S]

Medical Definition of Elastin

1. Glycoprotein (70 kD) randomly coiled and cross linked to form elastic fibres that are found in connective tissue. Like collagen, the amino acid composition is unusual with 30% of residues being glycine and with a high proline content. Cross linking depends upon formation of desmosine from four lysine side groups. The mechanical properties of elastin are poorer in old animals. This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Elastin

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