Elastin fibers in the relaxed aorta Elastin macromolecules are random coils tied together to form a 3-dimensional (insoluble)network Images removed due to copyright considerations Macromolecules coil upon themselves due to high content of nonpolar(hydrophobic) amino acids that mediate withdrawal from polar medium (aqueous buffer) and promote bonding within chains. These networks stretch extensively like all rubbersElastin fibers in the relaxed aorta. Elastin macromolecules are random coils tied together to form a 3-dimensional (insoluble) network. Images removed due to Images removed due to copyright consi copyright considderations erations Macromolecules coil upon themselves due to high content of nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids that mediate withdrawal from polar medium (aqueous buffer) and promote bonding within chains. These networks stretch extensively like all rubbers. 6