Glycosaminoglycans and Hyaluronic Acid Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of hyaluronic acid in the ground substance?

To facilitate the movement of cells and sperm

To provide structure and support

To provide adhesive features to cartilage and bone

To trap water and make the ground substance more jelly-like (correct)

What is the role of hyaluronidase in the ground substance?

It makes the ground substance more liquid, allowing for easier movement (correct)

It increases the viscosity of the ground substance

It provides adhesive features to the ground substance

It produces hyaluronic acid

Which of the following is a key component of hyaluronic acid?

Chondroitin sulfate

Glucuronic acid (correct)

Keratan sulfate

Dermatan sulfate

What is the primary function of hyaluronic acid in the eye?

To maintain the shape of the eyeball Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between thyroid disease and the deposition of glycosaminoglycans in the eye?

Thyroid disease causes an autoimmune reaction that leads to increased glycosaminoglycan deposition in the eye, causing exophthalmos Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following glycosaminoglycans is found in bone and cartilage?

Chondroitin sulfate Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of hyaluronic acid?

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about hyaluronic acid?

It binds directly to protein backbones. Signup and view all the answers

What makes hyaluronic acid unusual compared to other glycosaminoglycans?

It does not bind directly to protein backbones. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of hyaluronic acid in the body?

Transporting oxygen in the blood Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following tissues is hyaluronic acid most abundant?

Cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which hyaluronic acid promotes wound healing?

Creating a hydrated environment for cell migration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hyaluronic acid is TRUE?

It is synthesized primarily by fibroblasts and chondrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which hyaluronic acid contributes to joint lubrication?

Increasing the viscosity of synovial fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hyaluronic acid is FALSE?

It is synthesized by bacteria in the gut microbiome Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ground Substance

Composed of a mixture of water, proteins (e.g., gelatin), and polysaccharides (sugars)
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) join with core proteins to form proteoglycans
GAGS are long, unbranched polysaccharides with repeating disaccharide units
Amino sugar examples: N-acetylglucosamine, Uronic sugar examples: glucuronic acid

Hyaluronic Acid

A glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is not sulfated or covalently bound to a core protein
Forms a viscous, slippery substance that binds cells together, lubricates joints, and maintains the shape of the eyeball
Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid, making the ground substance more liquid

Applications of GAGS

Hyaluronic acid: lubricates joints, maintains eyeball shape, and binds cells together
Chondroitin sulfate: provides support and adhesive features in cartilage, bone, skin, and blood vessels
Keratan sulfate: found in bone, cartilage, and cornea of the eye
Dermatan sulfate: found in skin, tendons, blood vessels, and heart valves

Abnormal ECM and Thyroid Disease

Exophthalmos (bulging eyes) is associated with abnormal ECM deposition and thyroid disease (goiter)
Autoimmune over-activation of thyroid gland and autoimmune action on fibroblasts in ECM of the eye

Connective Tissue and Extracellular Matrix

CT = ECM + Cells
ECM = GS + Fibers
ECM is composed of ground substance and fibers
Ground substance is composed of water, proteins, and polysaccharides (GAGS)

Bone Structure

Osteon structure consists of lamellae, lacunae, canaliculi, and central (Haversian) canal
Lamellae: concentric rings of mineral salts and collagen for hardness and tensile strength
Lacunae: small spaces between lamellae that contain mature bone cells (osteocytes)
Canaliculi: minute canals that radiate from lacunae and provide routes for oxygen, nutrients, and waste
Central (Haversian) canal: contains blood, lymph, and nerves

Mature Connective Tissues

Blood: liquid connective tissue composed of plasma (ECM) and formed elements (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
Erythrocytes transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, while leukocytes combat disease through phagocytosis

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Description

Test your knowledge about glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and hyaluronic acid, including their functions and properties in the body. Explore the role of hyaluronic acid in lubricating joints, binding cells together, and maintaining the shape of the eyeball.