Difference between Collagen and Retinol | Collagen is a type of protein that contains a lot of proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine, and is an important part of connective tissue. Retinol is a molecule known as vitamin A, and it is a molecule that is very important for vision.
What is Collagen?
Definition:
Collagen consists of several polypeptide chains consisting of components glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Structure:
Collagen consists of three chains of protein subunits which together form a helical structure containing several covalent bonds. Glycine occurs every third residue on the polypeptide chain. Many types of collagen have been found throughout the human body forming an important part of many tissues.
Function:
The body’s collagen fibers are essential proteins that make up the matrix of connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons, which occur in the joints of the body. It is also an important part of the leather and is a flexible material that is also tough and does not break easily.
Formation:
Collagen is made by specialized cells called fibroblasts, and is made by a combination of proline, lysine, sugar and hydroxyl groups bonded together in a certain way. The enzyme can also make small amounts of collagen outside the cell from the precursor molecule procollagen.
Disorders related to collagen:
There is a disease called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) in which type III collagen is not formed from cells, resulting in connective tissue problems that can lead to joint dislocation and even problems with the aorta. Because collagen is an important part of connective tissue, a lack of type III in particular causes problems including an increased risk of aortic dissection.
What is Retinol?
Definition:
Retinol is the main form of vitamin A, which is a nutrient we need to take into the body to help the photoreceptor cells of the eye function properly.
Structure:
The molecular structure of retinol is an alcohol having a molecular weight of 286.45 g/mol. The formula for retinol is C 20 H 3 0 and it is a fat soluble vitamin which means it can be stored in liver cells. Retinol is easily broken down by increasing the temperature or by lowering the pH. Retinol melts at about 63 o C and boils at 137 o C.
Function:
Vitamin A is important because it is essential for good eyesight. This is because vitamin A, retinol, is converted into retinal molecules that play a role in the functioning of the photoreceptor cells of the eye. These are the cells that are responsible for receiving light energy in the eye, and are thus important in vision. Vitamin A deficiency can be a problem that causes problems with your vision, but excess amounts of vitamin A can also be harmful because it is a fat-soluble vitamin that builds up in liver cells.
Formation:
The formation of retinol is achieved using the precursor molecule provitamin A, which is often taken with food or by taking vitamin supplements. The carotenoid pigments found in fruits and vegetables are also converted to retinol by the action of the enzymes -carotene 15, 15′-dioxygenase.
Disorders associated with retinol:
Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A can be harmful and even deadly while consuming too little vitamin A can cause night blindness and has been linked to increased infant mortality in developing countries.
Definition
Collagen is a protein helix made of polypeptides that have many hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. Retinol is the most common form in which vitamin A is found in the human body.
Overall molecular structure
The molecular structure of collagen is a helical shape consisting of polypeptide chains linked together by covalent bonds. The molecular structure of retinol is that of an alcohol.
Molecular weight
The molecular weight of collagen is about 300000 g/mol. The molecular weight of retinol is about 286.45 g/mol.
Function
Collagen forms the flexible and tough parts of tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin. Retinol is essential for the proper functioning of the eye’s photoreceptor cells which are required for vision.
Commercial use
Collagen is used in several types of reconstructive surgery. Retinol is available as a supplement that people can take if their diet is deficient in vitamin A.
Formation
Fibroblast cells found in connective tissue are responsible for producing collagen. Vitamin A, retinol, can be formed from carotenoids taken in food.
Disturbance
A collagen-related disorder is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A person can have the disorder if they take too much or too little retinol.
Summary of Collagen and Retinol Differences:
- Collagen and retinol are important substances found in the human body.
- Collagen is a fibrous protein that is an important component of connective tissue.
- Retinol is the most abundant form in which vitamin A is found in the body.
- Collagen is secreted by cells called fibroblasts.
- Vitamin A is made from carotenoid pigments taken in through food, and from various provitamin A precursor molecules.
