Chapter 1 Interactions with the ECM

Question 1

Functions of the ECM

Answer 1

mechanical support
maintenance of cell polarity
control of cell proliferation
scaffolding for tissue repair
establishment of tissue microenvironments (filtration apparatus of the kidney)

Question 2

Focal adhesion complexes

Answer 2

vinculin, a-actin, talin

integrins interact with these to initiate production of intracellular messengers to get signals to the nucleus