The Extracellular Matrix and the Cell Wall are the "Outside" of the Cell

Question 1

what are most cells characterized by? what is it called in animal cells?

Answer 1

Most cells are characterized by extracellular structures. in animal cells these structures are called the extracellular matrix (ECM)

Question 2

what does the ECM consist of in animal cells?

Answer 2

Consists mainly of collagen fibers and proteogylcans

Question 3

what is the function of the ECM?

Answer 3

function is support but the types of materials and patterns in which they are deposited regulate a variety of processes

Question 4

What do plant and fungal cells have that is unique to them? what does it consts of?

Answer 4

A cell wall, consists mainly of cellulose fibers

Question 5

What are some processes regulated by the ECM? (4)

Answer 5

1. cell motility and migration
2. cell division
3. cell recognition and adhesion
4. cell differentiation during embryonic development

Question 6

what is the single most abundant protein in the vertebrate body? where can you find it?

Answer 6

collagen - prominent part of tendons, cartilage, and bone

Question 7

What are the two parts to the plant cell wall?

Answer 7

Primary cell wall and secondary cell wall

Question 8

What is the primary cell wall in plants? what does it consist of? is it flexible?

Answer 8

• it is the wall that is laid down during cell division.
• consists mainly of cellulose fibers embedded in a gel like polysaccharide matrix
• primary cell walls are quite flexible and extensible, which allows them to expand in response to cell enlargment and elongation

Question 9

what is the secondary cell wall in plants?

Answer 9

• secondary wall forms when the cell reaches its final shape and size
• much thicker and more rigid
• consists of more cellulose than primary cell wall and may have higher content of lignin
• deposition of secondary cell wall defines the final size and shape of the cell

Question 10

How are plant cells connected?

Answer 10

connected to neighboring cells by cytoplasmic bridges called plasmodesmata (pass through the cell wall)

Question 11

How big are plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Answer 11

large enough to allow the passage of water and small solutes from cell to cell

Question 12

what are the intracellular connections in animal cells (3)

Answer 12

• gap junctions
• tight junctions
• adhesion junctions

Question 13

function of gap junctions in animal cells?

Answer 13

specialized for the transfer of material between the cytoplasms of adjacent cells

Question 14

function of tight junction in animal cells?

Answer 14

they hold cells together so tightly that the transport of substances through the spaces between the cells is efficiently blocked

Question 15

function of adhesive junctions in animal cells?

Answer 15

also link adjacent cells, but for the purpose of connecting them tightly into sturdy yet flexible sheets