Final answer:
The ability of glycosaminoglycans to form hydrated gels allows the extracellular matrix in cartilage to absorb and distribute mechanical forces effectively, thus resisting compression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feature of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that allows the extracellular matrix in cartilage to resist compression is their ability to form hydrated gels, which contribute to the tissue's compressibility and ability to withstand weight-bearing stress.
Glycosaminoglycans facilitate cartilage's resistance to compression through their hydrophilic nature, which allows them to retain water and form resilient gels.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are negatively charged and hydrophilic, which means they attract water and can absorb it. This property is crucial for the role GAGs play in the extracellular matrix, particularly within cartilaginous tissue. When GAGs bind with proteins, they form proteoglycans, which are integral to the structure of cartilage. Proteoglycans and the water they retain create a gel-like substance that provides a cushion effect, giving cartilage its ability to absorb and distribute mechanical forces, such as those experienced during weight-bearing activities.
Two examples of GAGs that contribute to this function are hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. They occupy significant space within the cartilage and are part of the ground substance that resists compression. These molecules are interconnected with collagenous fibers, providing structural integrity and flexibility, as seen in various types of cartilage, including hyaline, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage. Additionally, the avascular nature of cartilage means that all nutrients must diffuse through this gelatinous matrix to reach the cartilage cells, or chondrocytes, further highlighting the importance of the hydrated gel structure in maintaining cartilage health and function.