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Questions and Answers
Which type of collagen is responsible for binding type II fibrils in cartilage?
Which type of collagen is responsible for binding type II fibrils in cartilage?
Elastic fibers in tissues are primarily composed of collagen.
Elastic fibers in tissues are primarily composed of collagen.
False
What is the main function of fibronectin in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
What is the main function of fibronectin in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
Help attach cells to the ECM
The main component of elastic fibers is _____, which is secreted as tropoelastin.
The main component of elastic fibers is _____, which is secreted as tropoelastin.
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Match the following components to their primary roles:
Match the following components to their primary roles:
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What is one function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
What is one function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
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Epithelial tissues have a thick layer of extracellular matrix (ECM).
Epithelial tissues have a thick layer of extracellular matrix (ECM).
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What is the primary type of adhesion molecule that allows cells to adhere to each other?
What is the primary type of adhesion molecule that allows cells to adhere to each other?
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The two extremes of animal tissue organization are _______ tissues and connective tissues.
The two extremes of animal tissue organization are _______ tissues and connective tissues.
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Match the following types of tissues with their characteristics:
Match the following types of tissues with their characteristics:
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Which component is primarily responsible for the tensile strength in the extracellular matrix?
Which component is primarily responsible for the tensile strength in the extracellular matrix?
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Adhesion molecules are only important for the immune system.
Adhesion molecules are only important for the immune system.
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Which type of connective tissue is known for its high tensile strength due to collagen fibrils?
Which type of connective tissue is known for its high tensile strength due to collagen fibrils?
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Elastic fibers are mainly found in bone tissue.
Elastic fibers are mainly found in bone tissue.
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What are the two main types of components in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
What are the two main types of components in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
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The primary function of connective tissue is to provide _____ and communication routes.
The primary function of connective tissue is to provide _____ and communication routes.
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Match the following connective tissues to their characteristics:
Match the following connective tissues to their characteristics:
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Which of the following is a glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix?
Which of the following is a glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix?
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Fibroblasts are responsible for producing the extracellular matrix in connective tissues.
Fibroblasts are responsible for producing the extracellular matrix in connective tissues.
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Name one function of adhesive glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix.
Name one function of adhesive glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix.
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In cartilage, the extracellular matrix contains collagen and _____ aggrecan.
In cartilage, the extracellular matrix contains collagen and _____ aggrecan.
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Which of the following is NOT a group of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)?
Which of the following is NOT a group of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)?
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Hyaluronan is a highly sulfated Glycosaminoglycan.
Hyaluronan is a highly sulfated Glycosaminoglycan.
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What type of sugar is always one of the repeating disaccharide units in GAGs?
What type of sugar is always one of the repeating disaccharide units in GAGs?
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The four main groups of GAGs include hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, and __________ sulfate.
The four main groups of GAGs include hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, and __________ sulfate.
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Match the following GAGs with their characteristics:
Match the following GAGs with their characteristics:
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Which of the following characteristics is true about GAGs?
Which of the following characteristics is true about GAGs?
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Proteoglycan synthesis involves the translocation of an amino sugar.
Proteoglycan synthesis involves the translocation of an amino sugar.
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What is the role of GAGs in the extracellular matrix?
What is the role of GAGs in the extracellular matrix?
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GAGs have a __________ charge due to the presence of sulfate and carboxyl groups.
GAGs have a __________ charge due to the presence of sulfate and carboxyl groups.
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What is the maximum length of the hyaluronan chain?
What is the maximum length of the hyaluronan chain?
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Which of the following statements about collagens is true?
Which of the following statements about collagens is true?
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Proteoglycans can consist of up to 95% carbohydrate by weight.
Proteoglycans can consist of up to 95% carbohydrate by weight.
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What role do glycosyltransferases play in the cell?
What role do glycosyltransferases play in the cell?
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Collagen trimers self-assemble into __________ in the extracellular matrix.
Collagen trimers self-assemble into __________ in the extracellular matrix.
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Match the following components with their respective characteristics:
Match the following components with their respective characteristics:
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What is a common consequence of scurvy?
What is a common consequence of scurvy?
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Collagen α-chains form without any twists or turns.
Collagen α-chains form without any twists or turns.
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How many human genes are responsible for collagen α-chains?
How many human genes are responsible for collagen α-chains?
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The __________ is a common GAG found in cartilage.
The __________ is a common GAG found in cartilage.
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What type of carbohydrate molecule is primarily found in proteoglycans?
What type of carbohydrate molecule is primarily found in proteoglycans?
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Study Notes
Cell Adhesion and Cell Signalling
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Topics covered include adhesion in epithelia, the extracellular matrix, and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion.
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Specific learning objectives include describing the molecular components and functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM), understanding how the ECM contributes to tissue structure and function, and discussing various adhesion molecule families which allow cells to adhere to the ECM and each other.
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Another learning objective includes understanding the roles of adhesion molecules in cellular functions and in epithelial tissues.
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Students should understand the principles of cellular signalling and be able to discuss examples of signaling pathways and their components.
Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
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The ECM is a network of macromolecules that fills the space between cells in tissues.
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Key components include glycosaminoglycan (GAG) polysaccharide chains (e.g., heparin sulfate, hyaluronan), fibrous proteins (e.g., collagen, fibrillin, elastin, laminin), and adhesive glycoproteins (e.g., fibrinogen, fibronectin, osteopontin).
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ECM determines the tissue's physical properties.
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Different tissues have different ECM compositions allowing for varied function (eg. tensile strength, flexibility).
Components of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
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GAGs: Unbranched polysaccharide chains with repeating disaccharide units, commonly containing amino sugars and uronic acids. They are negatively charged, and attract water, creating a non-compressible space filler. Examples include hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate.
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Fibrous proteins: Provide strength and support. Examples include collagen (major component in mammals, forms triple helices), fibrillin, elastin, and laminin.
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Adhesive glycoproteins: Act as adapters, mediating interactions between the ECM, cells, and other matrix proteins. Examples include fibrinogen, fibronectin, osteopontin, tenascin, and vitronectin.
Types of Connective Tissue
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Tendons: Rope-like, high tensile strength, primarily collagen fibrils.
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Blood vessel walls: Resilient and flexible, containing elastic fibres.
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Cartilage: Provides tensile strength and elasticity using collagen and proteoglycan aggrecan.
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Bone: Rigid and incompressible featuring calcified collagen.
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Vitreous humor of the eye: Transparent jelly with collagen fibres and hyaluronan.
Proteoglycans
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Proteoglycans are a type of glycoprotein with a core protein covalently linked to GAGs.
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Varying amount of proteoglycan will vary the characteristics of the connective tissue
Collagen Summary
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Collagen is the major fibrous ECM component.
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It constitutes about 25% of total mammalian protein mass, is prevalent in skin and bone.
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Human genes encode different collagen α-chains, which form triple helices, and combine in various forms in different tissues.
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Collagen α-chains fold into a helix and wrap around each other forming tightly packed triple-helical rods and trimers.
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Collagen trimers form fibrils and fibrils frequently bundle into fibres giving tensile and structural support.
ECM Remodeling and Degradation
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ECM remodeling and degradation occur during normal tissue development, wound healing, bone remodeling, cell migration (inflammation), and tumor invasion/metastasis.
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These processes depend on cellular proteases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and serine proteases (like uPA).
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Cells control the activity of proteases by regulating their localizations.
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Inhibitors such as TIMPs and serpins control protease activity.
Basal Lamina
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The basal lamina is a thin, tough ECM sheet underlying epithelia and surrounding muscle and nerve cells.
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It connects the epidermis to dermis.
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It offers a foundation for cell organization, polarity, and influences cell metabolism.
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It helps maintain cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
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It is made of type IV collagen, laminin, perlecan, and nidogen.
Elastic Fibres
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Elastic fibres provide tissues with resilience and recoil after stretch, essential in tissues such as blood vessels, lungs, and skin.
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The primary component of elastic fibres is elastin - a hydrophobic protein which when secreted forms a cross-linked network of fibres.
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The network of fibres is also covered with microfibrils, made of other glycoproteins such as fibrillin.
Fibronectin
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Fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein that attaches cells to the ECM.
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Fibronectin assembles into dimers or longer structures, often crosslinking with itself.
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The molecule has various binding domains, including ones for cells, collagen, and heparin.
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Fibronectin can bundle into fibrils especially when under tension.
ECM Functions
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The ECM provides structural support, a scaffold for cells, and regulates cell shape, polarity, survival, proliferation and function.
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It also acts as a reservoir for growth factors and cytokines, and provides pathways for cell migration and communication.
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Description
Test your knowledge on cell adhesion, the molecular components of the extracellular matrix, and the principles of cellular signalling. This quiz covers adhesion in epithelia and the roles of various adhesion molecules in tissue structure and cellular functions. Understand the mechanics behind how cells interact and communicate through these crucial processes.