Final answer:
The fiber of the extracellular matrix is collagen, which provides structural support and strength to tissues and helps in cell communication and tissue formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fiber of the extracellular matrix is most commonly made up of collagen. Collagen fibers are crucial because they provide structural support and strength to tissues. The extracellular matrix consists of a network of substances secreted by cells, which includes proteins such as collagen, and carbohydrates. The matrix supports cells, allows for cell communication, and binds with proteoglycans to form the tissue structure. Specifically, proteoglycans form the bulky mass, while collagen and other fibrous proteins provide tensile strength. Additionally, these fibers are attached to fibronectin proteins, which connect to integrin proteins on the plasma membrane. The correct answer to the question about the component that is the fiber of the extracellular matrix is B) collagen.
The fiber of the extracellular matrix is b) collagen.
Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. Collectively, these materials make up the extracellular matrix, which holds cells together to form tissues and allows cells to communicate with each other.