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through proteins called integrins. Integrins act as molecular linkers between the extracellular matrix and the cell's internal cytoskeleton, allowing the cell to adhere to and interact with its surroundings. This interaction is vital for cell signaling, migration, and tissue organization.
Yes, the region around cells, outside the plasma membrane, where cells interact with their surroundings is commonly referred to as the extracellular environment. This environment includes substances like nutrients, signaling molecules, and other neighboring cells that can influence the cell's function and behavior. Cells depend on this external environment for growth, communication, and survival.
No, the basement membrane is not a living layer. It is a thin layer of extracellular matrix that separates and anchors epithelial and endothelial cells to the underlying connective tissue.
Cytoplasm is the selectively permeable structure that separates intracellular material from extracellular material.
Animal Cells
The functions of extracellular matrix (ECM):provides mechanical and structural support for tissue (as well as tensile strength for the tissue)biochemical barrier --> defenceregulating metabolic functions of the cells surrounded by the matrix:adhesion --> anchor cells within tissuemigration --> provides pathways (e.g., during wound repair)proliferation --> modulate cell growth by binding and retaining growth factorsdifferentiation --> influences transmission of information across the plasma membrane of the connective tissue cellsConclusion: The components of the ECM form a dynamic and interactive system that informs cells about the biochemical and mechanical changes in their extracellular environment.Reference:Ross, M.H. & Pawlina, W. 2006, Histology: A Text and Atlas: With Correlated Cell and Molecular Biology, 5 edn, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.