- jello's main binding agent is Gelatin, a protein produced from collagen extracted from the boiled bones, connective tissues, and intestines of animals
- Gelatin is just a processed version of a structural protein called collagen that is found in many animals, including humans.
- Gelatin is a fibrous molecule that makes skin, bones, and tendons both strong and somewhat elastic
- To make gelatin, manufacturers grind up these various parts and pre-treat them with either a strong acid or a strong base to break down cellular structures and release proteins like collagen. After pre-treatment, the resulting mixture is boiled. During this process, the large collagen protein ends up being partially broken down, and the resulting product is called gelatin. The gelatin is easily extracted because it forms a layer on the surface of the boiling mixture.
- At room temperature, the gelatin protein is in the form of a triple helix.
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question5571.htm
