Final answer:
A fibroblast can indirectly attach to collagen via the protein fibronectin, which binds to integrins, playing a crucial role in cell adhesion and communication with the extracellular matrix.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fibroblast can indirectly attach to collagen via the protein fibronectin. Fibroblasts, which are a type of cell commonly found in connective tissue, use fibronectin to adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibronectin is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein that binds to membrane-spanning receptor proteins known as integrins. This connection is crucial for cell attachment, which is not only necessary for proper tissue development but also plays an important role in the wound healing process and the generation of engineered tissue substitutes through biomaterials.
Fibronectin facilitates the binding of cells to the ECM through its interaction with integrins. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that connect the ECM to the actin cytoskeleton inside the cell, thus mediating cellular functions such as migration, differentiation, and signaling.