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Questions and Answers
What are the main components of the extracellular matrix?
What are the main components of the extracellular matrix?
Fibrous component, amorphous component (ground substance), basement membrane.
What are the types of the fibrous components in the extracellular matrix?
What are the types of the fibrous components in the extracellular matrix?
Collagen fibers and elastic fibers.
What are the components of the ground substance in the extracellular matrix?
What are the components of the ground substance in the extracellular matrix?
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans, and adhesive glycoproteins.
What are the general functions of the extracellular matrix?
What are the general functions of the extracellular matrix?
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The main fibrous protein that gives strength to extracellular matrices is _____
The main fibrous protein that gives strength to extracellular matrices is _____
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the ground substance?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the ground substance?
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What is the function of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the extracellular matrix?
What is the function of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the extracellular matrix?
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Name two examples of sulfated glycosaminoglycans.
Name two examples of sulfated glycosaminoglycans.
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Fibronectin is mainly produced by _____
Fibronectin is mainly produced by _____
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What is the role of laminin in the extracellular matrix?
What is the role of laminin in the extracellular matrix?
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Study Notes
Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Overview
- ECM consists of a fibrous component and an amorphous component known as ground substance.
- Major fibrous components include collagen fibers and elastic fibers.
- Ground substance is composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans, and adhesive glycoproteins.
Functions of the ECM
- Provides mechanical support to tissues.
- Influences metabolic functions and proliferation of cells.
- Facilitates cellular migration.
- Plays a role in embryonic development.
Fibrous Proteins in ECM
- Collagen: Provides tensile strength to the matrix.
- Elastin: Offers resilience and elasticity to tissues.
Ground Substance: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
- GAGs are long, unbranched polysaccharides formed from repeating disaccharide units.
- Types of GAGs include:
- Nonsulfated GAGs: Example - Hyaluronic acid.
- Sulfated GAGs: Examples - Chondroitin sulfate, Keratan sulfate, Dermatan sulfate, Heparan sulfate.
- GAGs are negatively charged, attracting cations and promoting hydration through electrostatic bonds.
Ground Substance: Proteoglycans
- Composed of sulfated GAGs attached to a protein core.
- Examples include:
- Aggrecan: Major proteoglycan in cartilage, binds water to form aggregates.
- Perlecan: Contains heparan sulfate, located in the basal lamina.
- Functions:
- Acts as shock absorbers and resists compression.
- Slows movement of microbes and cancer cells through the ECM.
- Provides binding sites for growth factors.
- Aids in cell adhesion through secreted molecules.
Adhesive Glycoproteins
- Serve as molecular glue that binds cells to ECM components.
- Major adhesive glycoproteins include fibronectin and laminin.
- Fibronectin: Binds to cells, collagen, and proteoglycans; synthesized by fibroblasts.
- Laminin: Found in basal lamina; binds heparan sulfate, collagen, and integrins.
Basement Membrane vs. Basal Lamina
- Basement membrane serves as a thin layer separating epithelial cells from connective tissue; includes both basal lamina and reticular lamina.
- Basal lamina is a specialized layer consisting of cells adhering to ECM through adhesive glycoproteins.
Summary of Biosynthesis
- Collagen fibers undergo biosynthesis through a series of enzymatic modifications facilitating their structural integrity and function.
- Structural characteristics, such as the formation of cross-links, are vital for collagen's strength and stability.
Key Characteristics
- Elastic fibers provide elasticity while maintaining structural integrity.
- Composition of ECM components varies by tissue type, reflecting differing mechanical and biochemical needs.
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Description
Explore the structure and functions of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), highlighting its fibrous and ground substance components. Understand the roles of collagen and elastin, and learn about the major types of glycosaminoglycans. This quiz will test your knowledge of the ECM's importance in tissue support and cellular functions.
