Final answer:
All listed options (hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate) are components of the ground substance in connective tissue, but specifically, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as chondroitin sulfate are directly included in the composition of ground substance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connective tissue consists of three main components: cells, ground substance, and protein fibers. The ground substance, which is secreted by fibroblasts, includes a variety of components that contribute to its unique properties. Among these are polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid and proteins which combine to form proteoglycans. Proteoglycans possess a protein core with polysaccharide branches, known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Specific types of GAGs include chondroitin sulfate, which is directly mentioned as an option in your question. These substances form hydrated gels which can resist compression in the extracellular matrix. Considering this information, all the listed options, namely hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and chondroitin sulfate, are components of the ground substance in connective tissue.