Final answer:
The extracellular matrix controls cell growth by regulating intracellular signaling pathways, which can lead to apoptosis if the cell is detached from the matrix. This control mechanism is crucial for preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation, such as in cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The extracellular matrix controls the growth of cells by regulating intracellular signaling pathways. When cellular receptors bind to the extracellular matrix, it initiates a signaling cascade within the cell leading to various responses such as cell growth and survival. However, detachment from the extracellular matrix can terminate these signals, possibly leading to apoptosis (programmed cell death), which helps prevent cells from proliferating out of control. The interaction with the extracellular matrix is essential for proper cell positioning and functioning, and this mechanism has an important role in inhibiting the spread of cancer cells throughout the body.
Growth factors are another key element in this process, binding to cell-surface receptors linked to tyrosine kinases and activating pathways, like the MAP kinase pathway, which eventually leads to cell division.