EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The outer stratum corneum is heavily keratinized in scales. Two forms of keratin are produced in reptiles: -keratin, which is flexible, and -keratin, which provides strength and hardness and is unique to reptiles.

Detailed explanation-2: -The epidermis of scales in gecko lizards contains multiple forms of beta-keratins including basic glycine-proline-serine-rich proteins. J Proteome Res.

Detailed explanation-3: --keratins add much more rigidity to reptilian skin than alpha-keratins alone do to mammalian skin. -keratins are impregnated into the stratum corneum of the reptilian skin, providing waterproofing and the prevention of desiccation. The scales, beaks, claws and feathers of birds contain -keratin of the avian family.

Detailed explanation-4: -There are two forms of keratin: Alpha-keratin: Alpha-keratin is in the hair, epidermis, horns and nails of mammals. Type I and type II keratins are alpha-keratins. Beta-keratin: Beta-keratin is in the feathers, claws, beaks and scales of birds and reptiles.