Question 1

Which component of the animal extracellular matrix (ECM) is primarily responsible for resisting compressive forces?

Accepted Answer

Proteoglycans in the ground substance

Question 2

A researcher is studying a tissue that must withstand both stretching and compressive forces. Which analogy best describes the structure of its extracellular matrix?

Accepted Answer

A reinforced concrete slab, where concrete resists compression and steel rods resist tension

Question 3

Which protein anchors animal cells to the extracellular matrix by connecting the cytoskeleton to ECM components?

Accepted Answer

Integrin

Question 4

What is the main function of tight junctions in epithelial tissues?

Accepted Answer

Forming a water-tight seal to prevent leakage between cells

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why cells from different tissues do not adhere to each other?

Accepted Answer

They have different types of adhesion proteins on their surfaces

Question 6

Gap junctions are important in cardiac muscle because they:

Accepted Answer

Allow rapid diffusion of ions, enabling synchronized contraction

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of structures from inside to outside the cell, anchoring the cell to the ECM?

Accepted Answer

Actin filament → integrin → laminin → collagen

Question 8

A mutation disrupts the function of desmosomes in skin cells. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Skin cells easily detach from each other under mechanical stress

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of collagen in the extracellular matrix?

Accepted Answer

It forms fibers that resist tension

Question 10

In the small intestine, tight junctions are described as 'looser' than in the bladder. What is the physiological significance of this difference?

Accepted Answer

It allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients in the intestine

Question 11

Which of the following statements about selective adhesion is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cells adhere selectively to cells of the same tissue type because of specific adhesion proteins

Question 12

A scientist observes that ions can rapidly move between adjacent animal cells. Which structure is most likely responsible for this observation?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of proteoglycans in the animal ECM?

Accepted Answer

They form a gel-like ground substance that resists compression

Question 14

If a tissue sample is found to have a high concentration of intermediate filaments connected to anchoring proteins at cell junctions, which type of cell-cell attachment is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the total mechanical strength ($S$) of a tissue and the contributions of the ECM's ground substance ($C$) and fibers ($T$), assuming they act additively?

Accepted Answer

$S = C + T$

Question 16

A patient with a genetic defect in integrin proteins would most likely experience which of the following problems?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty anchoring cells to the extracellular matrix

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why gap junctions are essential for heart function?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the rapid spread of electrical signals by permitting ion flow between cells

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the extracellular matrix in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Forming water-tight seals between cells

Question 19

A tissue sample from the bladder is found to have very tight cell junctions. What is the main advantage of this feature?

Accepted Answer

It prevents leakage of urine into surrounding tissues

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between actin filaments, integrins, and the ECM?

Accepted Answer

Integrins are transmembrane proteins that connect intracellular actin filaments to ECM components

Ch. 11 part 1

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards