Final answer:
Gelatin is a derived protein substance that forms a hydrophilic colloid, which gels upon cooling due to the complex three-dimensional network created by its protein fibers. The major amino acid in gelatin is glycine, with proline and hydroxyproline as common components.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gelatin is an organic molecule that is a mixture of proteins and peptides, making it a derived protein substance. It is formed through the partial hydrolysis of collagen, which is extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals such as cows and pigs. The major amino acid found in gelatin is glycine, often accompanied by proline and hydroxyproline, which are derivatives of standard amino acids.
Properties of Gelatin
In water, gelatin can form a colloidal gel, which is a colloidal dispersion of a liquid phase throughout a solid phase. When gelatin is dissolved in hot water and then cooled, it forms a gel through a process where its fibers create a three-dimensional network filled with water or a dilute solution of gelatin. The cooling process allows the gelatin to coagulate and become more viscous.
Gelatin is hydrophilic, meaning it interacts strongly with water. When combined with water, the hydrophilic groups on the gelatin's surface help maintain a shell of tightly bound water molecules, allowing it to maintain its gel-like properties.