Question

Frog skin lacks the keratin layer that human skin has.

What is the role of the keratin layer in human skin?

Why do humans need this layer while frogs do not?

Answer 1

Keratin is the protein found in the epidermis of the human skin, it makes up hair, nails and surface layer of the skin.

It serves two functions:

1.) holds skin cells together to giving sling it's rigidity.

2.) it forms outer most layer of skin to protect from external environment (barrier protection).

the lower levels of kertain results in wrinkles in skin. Hence keratin is needed in humans.

Whereas frogs dont need it because gaseous exchange in frogs takes place through skin. Their skin being moist and thin frogs respire through skin. They breathe oxygen either from air or water. If skin is with keratin, it will hinder this process.