proteoglycan

Examples of proteoglycan in the following topics:

• Extracellular Matrix of Animal Cells

  • Its fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans.

• Characteristics of Connective Tissue

  • It is composed of proteoglycans and cell adhesion proteins that allow the connective tissue to act as glue for the cells to attach to the matrix.

• Muscle Attachment Sites

  • Intertwined with the collagen fibers are elastin molecules, which improve the tendons' elasticity, and various proteoglycans, proteins to which many carbohydrate molecules are attached.

• Development of Joints

  • Articular cartilage function is dependent on the molecular composition of its extracellular matrix (ECM), which consists mainly of proteoglycans and collagens.

• Anaerobiosis and N2 Fixation

  • Some microbes have a proteoglycan rich extra cellular matrix which traps a layer of water, often referred to as a slime layer.

• Development of the Skeleton

  • They stop secreting collagen and other proteoglycans and begin secreting alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme essential for mineral deposition.

• Embryonic and Fetal Bone Formation

  • They stop secreting collagen and other proteoglycans and begin secreting alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme essential for mineral deposition.

• Cartilage Growth

  • The extracellular matrix consists of ground substance (proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans) and associated fibers such as collagen.

• Skin and Mucosae (Surface Barriers)

  • The dermis provides strength and elasticity to the skin through an extracellular matrix composed of collagen fibrils, microfibrils, and elastic fibers, embedded in proteoglycans.

• Cartilaginous Joints: Symphyses

  • One effect of aging and disc degeneration is the nucleus pulposus begins to dehydrate and the concentration of proteoglycans in the matrix decreases, thus limiting the ability of the disc to absorb shock.