Question

How would the properties of ecms differ if the negative charges were not abundant on proteoglycan molecules?

a) ecms would not be able to interact with the cytoskeleton.
b) ecms would not possess tensile strength.
c) ecms would not be able to swell and withstand compression forces.
d) ecms would not be an aqueous environment.
e) ecms would not be able to interact with cells embedded within it.

Answer 1

ECMs would not possess tensile strength.

Step-by-step explanation:

The properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) would differ if the negative charges were not abundant on proteoglycan molecules. One of the differences would be that the ECMS would not possess tensile strength. Tensile strength is provided by the fibrous proteins, like collagen, which are attached to the proteoglycans.

Without the negative charges on the proteoglycans, the collagen would not be able to provide the necessary strength. Hence, option b) ecms would not possess tensile strength is the correct answer.