> a helix of 3 polypeptide chains that serves as the building block of connective tissue, providing tensile strength ![[Pasted image 20250111154921.png | Figure 1: 5 types of collagen]] ## Collagen type ratio varies by tissue - Ratio (type I:III) - Adult skin: 4:1 - Keloid: 3:1 - Immature and hypertrophic scars: 2:1 - Fetal wound: 1:3 ## Collagen Synthesis - Production starts within fibroblasts - Cross-linking of 3 polypeptide α chains form the triple helix configuration ![[Pasted image 20250111155238.png | Figure 2: Collagen synthesis (BAPN, Beta-aminopropionitrile)]] #basicscience