bio extra

Question 1

What are the 5 major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Answer 1

five major components to the ECM:

1. Glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate groups attached)
2. Proteoglycans (like glycoproteins, but with longer unbranched carbohydrate groups)
3. Collagen (the most abundant protein in the human body; very strong)
4. Fibronectin (attaches glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and collagen to integrin
5. Integrin (transmembrane proteins in the cell membrane that anchor to the ECM)