Extracellular matrix Flashcards
What is the ECM?
Any substance produced by cells & secreted into the extracellular space within the tissues
Why is the ECM important?
> structural - provides physical support for cells & a linkage between cells/tissues
> cell mobility - forms a substrate on which cells can move & provides cues that guide direction of movement
Describe the structure of connective tissue
Scattered cells e.g. fibroblasts
Predominantly ECM
Describe the composition of ECM in connective tissues
Collagen fibres cross-linked by accessory proteins in a matrix of proteoglycans
What are proteoglycans?
Proteins bound to polysaccharides
Describe the structure of epithelial tissues
Layers of cells bound closely to form protective sheets
Minimal ECM
Describe ECM in epithelial tissues
concentrated under epithelia (basal lamina)
- provides base for cells to sit on & acts as molecular sieve & substrate for migrating cells
Describe the composition of ECM in plants
Cellulose fibres cross-linked w/ hemicellulose in matrix of highly branched polysaccharides
Describe how ECM is arranged in plants
All plant cells surrounded by ECM
= cell wall
What are cellulose fibres analogous to?
Collagen fibres
How does the ECM differ between plants & animals?
Plant ECM contain polysaccharide fibres
Animal ECM contains fibres made of protein
- collagen & elastin
What is the function of collagen?
Resists tensile force
How many different collagen genes are there in mammals?
42
How are collagen fibres formed?
- 3 single-stranded collagens cross-link
= collagen fibrils - Collagen fibrils link to form collagen fibres
In what orientation are collagen fibres organised?
In 2 orthogonal directions
= 90 degrees to each other
Give an example of a fibril forming collagen
Type II collagen