Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Which type of protein connects cells with collagen fibers in the ECM, allowing cells to move through the ECM?

Which cell type is responsible for bone formation?

Which property of the ECM plays an influential role in regulating numerous cell functions?

What is the process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another called?

Which mechanical property of the ECM can direct cellular differentiation?

Which of the following is a common function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

What are the components of the animal extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Where are basement membranes found in animals?

What are the components of the plant extracellular matrix (ECM)?

How are components of the ECM produced and secreted?

Which type of proteoglycan is found in all animal tissues and binds to a variety of protein ligands?

Which type of proteoglycan contributes to the tensile strength of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and walls of the aorta?

Which type of proteoglycan is present in the cornea, cartilage, bones, and the horns of animals?

Which non-proteoglycan polysaccharide is found in abundance in the ECM of load-bearing joints and confers upon tissues the ability to resist compression?

Which protein is the most abundant in the ECM and accounts for 90% of bone matrix protein content?

Cellular Interactions with the ECM

Integrin proteins connect cells with collagen fibers in the ECM, allowing cells to move through the ECM.

Bone Formation

Osteoblasts are the cell type responsible for bone formation.

ECM Properties

The ECM's mechanical property plays an influential role in regulating numerous cell functions.

Cellular Differentiation

The process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another is called transdifferentiation.
The mechanical property of the ECM can direct cellular differentiation.

Functions of the ECM

A common function of the ECM is to provide structural support and regulate cellular behavior.

Components of the ECM

Animal ECM

The components of the animal ECM include collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.

Basement Membranes

Basement membranes are found in animals surrounding epithelial, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells.

Plant ECM

The components of the plant ECM include cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin.

ECM Production and Secretion

Components of the ECM are produced and secreted by cells through exocytosis.

Proteoglycans

Heparan sulfate is a type of proteoglycan found in all animal tissues and binds to a variety of protein ligands.
Decorin is a type of proteoglycan that contributes to the tensile strength of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and walls of the aorta.
Keratan sulfate is a type of proteoglycan present in the cornea, cartilage, bones, and the horns of animals.
Hyaluronic acid is a non-proteoglycan polysaccharide found in abundance in the ECM of load-bearing joints, conferring upon tissues the ability to resist compression.

ECM Proteins

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the ECM and accounts for 90% of bone matrix protein content.

Test your knowledge on the diverse composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in biology. Explore the variations of this network that provides structural and biochemical support to cells.