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Elasticin --> elastin

(Science: protein) glycoprotein (70 kD) randomly coiled and cross linked to form elastic fibres that are found in connective tissue. Like collagen, the amino acid composition is unusual with 30% of residues being glycine and with a high proline content. Cross linking depends upon formation of desmosine from four lysine side groups. The mechanical properties of elastin are poorer in old animals.