Which of the following statements about an animal extracelllar matrix is FALSE?

Question

Which of the following statements about an animal extracelllar matrix is FALSE? The meshwork and negative charges provided by proteoglycans can act as filters to regulate which molecules pass through the extracellular medium. Epithelial ECM can be readily modified in response to mechanical stress or other stimuli, but skeletal ECM such as bone is permanent. Proteoglycans attract large amounts of water to create an aqueous gel that allows ECM to provide cushioning. Extracellular proteases are responsible for processing procollagen to mature collagen fibers, as well as for remodeling the ECM.

Explanation / Answer

Option 2 is the correct answer

The statement, " Epithelial ECM can be readily modified in response to mechanical stress or other stimuli, but skeletal ECM such as bone is permanent" is false with regards to extracellular matrix of animals. In animals, tissues are made of cells and a protein support, termed extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM contains a variable proportion of a large variety of matrix and non-matrix proteins. As mechanosensitive cells, chondrocytes perceive and respond to mechanical stress throughout life. Chondrocytes synthesize the extracellular matrix and their integrity; in addition, chondrocytes depend upon intracellular signals generated in response to biomechanical stress. Phenotypically, bone cells are characterized by their ability to synthesize a specific matrix consisting of type II collagen and aggrecan; this matrix allows them to withstand changes in their mechanical environment. In conclusion, mechanical stress can affect the chondrocyte phenotype, thereby altering the expression of chondrocyte ECM.

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