The Extracellular Matrix Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the extracellular matrix?
An insoluble mesh work composed of proteins and polysaccharides
What are proteoglycans?
Proteins with chains of polysaccharides
How do the different forms of extracellular matrices vary?
The amount, type, and organization of the proteins and polysaccharides that make them up
What are four functions of the extracellular matrix?
- Cell adherence
- Communication between cells
- Cell shape/mechanical support/structural integrity
- Provides a barrier for the cell
In plants, what does the extracellular matrix form?
The cell wall
What is one of the most complex and diverse examples of an extracellular matrix?
The plant cell wall
Where is the cellulose polymer used to expand the cell wall assembled?
Outside the cell on, on the extracellular surface fo the plasma membrane
How are the glucose molecules used to form the cellulose polymers that expand the cell wall and the enzymes that attach them delivered to the cell surface?
By arrays of microtubules
What are the three layers that compose the cell wall?
- The middle lamella
- The primary cell wall
- The secondary cell wall
Which layer of the cell wall is used as the main mechanism by which plant cells adhere to one another?
The middle lamella
Which layer of the cell wall is composed of a gluelike complex carbohydrate?
The middle lamella
Which layer of the cell wall is synthesized during the late stages of cell division?
The middle lamella
Which layer of the cell wall consists primarily of cellulose, but also contains pectin?
The primary cell wall
Which layer of the cell wall is laid down while the cells are still growing?
The primary cell wall
Which layer of the cell wall is constructed in many plant cells once cell growth has stopped?
The secondary cell wall
Which layer of the cell wall consists primarily of cellulose, but also contains lignin?
The secondary cell wall
What does lignin do for the cell wall?
Hardens the cell wall and makes it matter resistant
What does the animal extracellular matrix contain that makes it unique from plants?
Large fibrous proteins
Where are fibrous proteins embedded in the extracellular matrix of animals?
In a gel-like polysaccharide matrix
What is the charge of the polysaccharide matrix in which fibrous proteins are embedded?
Matrix is negatively charged
Where can the extracellular matrix be found in abundance in animals?
Connective tissue
What makes connective tissue an unusual tissue type?
It’s dominated by the extracellular matrix and has a low cell density
What determines the properties of different types of connective tissue?
The extracellular matrix
What are the two functions of connective tissue?
- Provide connection to various parts of the body
- Provide support to various parts of the body
