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Cell Structure and Function
How ECM Supports Animal Tissues
Description
The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports animal tissues by surrounding cells with structural molecules. It helps maintain tissue organization and gives tissues their specific physical properties. The ECM includes a gel-like ground substance, fibrous components, and many molecules with different jobs.
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Transcript
The extracellular matrix, or ECM, is a network of fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin and a ground substance that surrounds cells and fills the spaces between them.
The ground substance is a hydrated gel made up of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and interstitial fluid, which is mainly water with dissolved i...
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