Final answer:
In Marfan's syndrome, a loss of strength and elasticity in connective tissue is usually due to a mutation affecting the fibrillin gene. Collagen and elastin fibers are crucial for imparting strength and elasticity to connective tissues, with collagen providing tensile strength and elastin enabling tissues to return to their original shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connective tissue components that impart strength and elasticity are collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen fibers are responsible for providing strength and structural support, preventing the tissue from being torn or separated from the surrounding tissues. On the other hand, elastin fibers, which are composed of the protein elastin, contribute to the connective tissue's ability to return to its original shape after being stretched, thus providing its elasticity.
In the context of Marfan's syndrome, a marked loss in the strength and elasticity of connective tissue is often due to a mutation in the gene for fibrillin, a structural component of microfibrils that interacts with elastin in connective tissues. This condition affects various body systems such as the lens of the eye, the skeletal system, and the cardiovascular system. Because dense connective tissue contains a higher concentration of collagen fibers than loose connective tissue, it displays greater resistance to stretching, which is essential in tissues that need to withstand tensile forces, like tendons and ligaments.