Which type of structural protein provides support in animal cells?

Collagen is a key structural protein found in animal cells that plays a crucial role in providing support and strength to various tissues, such as skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom and is an essential component of the extracellular matrix, which provides structural support to cells and helps maintain tissue integrity.

Collagen fibers have a unique triple-helix structure that gives them great tensile strength, allowing them to withstand stretching and compressive forces. This is particularly important for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues that experience mechanical stress.

While actin is also a structural protein, it primarily functions in muscle contraction and cellular movement rather than providing overall support for tissues. Enzymes, on the other hand, are catalysts that facilitate biochemical reactions but do not serve a structural role. Hemoglobin is a protein responsible for oxygen transport in the blood, which is unrelated to structural support in cells.