Question

If a bone is lacking collagen in its organic matrix, such as with the disease osteogenesis imperfecta, the bone would If a bone is lacking collagen in its organic matrix, such as with the disease osteogenesis imperfecta, the bone would a. be crystalized and add to the hardness of the bone. b. be flexible and bend and twist easily. c. be strong and resist torsion and forces easily. d. be brittle and shatters easily.

Answer 1

d. be brittle and shatters easily.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mature bone is composed mainly of proteins and minerals. The minerals are calcium and phosphate whereas collagen is the major protein in bone matrix. Collagen is very strong and provides strength to the bones. It is in the form of triple helices which are bonded together as ropes. If a bone matrix lacks collagen, it would become very brittle and will shatter easily.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is one such condition where type I collagen is missing. It is generally due to mutation in COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes. Resultant bone is very weak and prone to breakage.