What is keratin primarily composed of?

Keratin is primarily composed of proteins. It is a structural protein that forms the key structural material making up the outer layer of human skin, as well as hair and nails. In vertebrates, keratin serves essential functions related to protection, providing strength and resilience in structural areas of the body that experience wear and tear.

Understanding keratin’s composition is essential in the context of structural pest control, especially since some pests are known to feed on keratin-rich materials, such as certain types of fungi and insects that target hair, feathers, and skin. This knowledge can help pest control professionals in identifying infestations and devising appropriate management strategies.

In contrast, the other options refer to different biological substances. Digestive enzymes are proteins but do not specifically relate to keratin. Carbohydrates are energy-providing organic compounds, and lipids include fats and oils, neither of which describes keratin’s structure or function. Hence, recognizing keratin as a protein is vital for understanding its role in both human biology and its interactions with pests.