Describe the roles of each of the following components of the ECM:

b. Glycosaminoglycans

Video transcript

Hi everyone. Let's take a look at this question together. The gel like consistency of the ECM or the extracellular matrix due to glycosaminoglycans allows for what is it? Answer choice. A collagen degradation. Answer choice B blood clotting. Answer choice C energy production or answer choice D tissue lubrication. Let's work this problem out together to try to figure out which of the following answer choices is allowed due to the gel like consistency of the extracellular matrix because of the glycosaminoglycans. So in order to solve this question, we have to recall what role the glycosaminoglycans play in the extracellular matrix to determine what benefit the gel like consistency of the extra cellular matrix provides because of the glycosaminoglycans. And we can recall that the glycosaminoglycans create a hydrated Gelli environment in the ECM or the extracellular matrix. And this is important because it helps reduce friction between the tissues such as the joints which allows for smoother movement. Thanks to that reduced friction that is provided by the gel like environment in the extracellular matrix as a result of the glycosaminoglycans. So the glycosaminoglycans create that Gelli environment in the extracellular matrix which helps reduce friction between tissues allowing for smoother movement. Therefore, the glycosaminoglycans of the extracellular matrix allows for the lubrication of the tissues resulting in that smoother movement between tissues such as joints. So answer choice D tissue lubrication is the correct answer. And all other answer choices are incorrect. Since answer choices A B and C are not a result of the gel like consistency of the extracellular matrix. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye.