Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Development of Amelogenin-chitosan Hydrogel for In Vitro Enamel Regrowth with a Dense Interface
Published on: July 10, 2014
[Characteristics of the proteins of tooth enamel]
Abstract:
Three groups of proteins, distinguished by solubility in acidic and neutral media, were found in enamel. Molecular weight of the major part of proteins, insoluble at neutral pH, was about 20000; these proteins readily interacted with Ca2+, developing tri- and tetrameric molecules. High molecular enamel protein reversibly disaggregated after removing of Ca2+ by various methods. The insoluble protein had a highly regular structure. Mineralization of the protein appears to occur due to development of bonds between Ca2 and some amino acid residues.
Related Concept Videos
What are Proteins?
What are Proteins?
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Fibrous Proteins
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.

