The extracellular matrix

32 The extracellular matrix





Questions



image Are our bodies just collections of cells?

image What are the major constituents of extracellular matrix?

image Are connective tissues merely padding?

Much of the human body comprises connective tissues, which contain few cells. Connective tissues are chiefly made from extracellular matrix (ECM), a mass of specialized proteins and polysaccharides mainly secreted by fibroblasts. It is the ECM that gives conective tissue the ability to resist forces such as shear, tensile force or pressure. Tissues such as skin or bone, which have major structural roles, contain a high proportion of connective tissue.



Collagen and elastin


Members of the collagen family of fibrous proteins are the most abundant proteins in mammals and are major components of skin and bone. Combinations of different α-chain isoforms are wound together in a triple helix to form the different fibrillar and non-fibrillar types of collagen (Fig. 3.32.1

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Jun 18, 2016 | Posted by in BIOCHEMISTRY | Comments Off on The extracellular matrix

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