1. Hyaluronan is larger, unsulfated, synthesised extracellularly and is not covalently attached to proteins.
  2. Properties and molecules:
    • Compressive strength – GAGs.
    • Elasticity – elastin and fibrillin.
    • Tensile strength – collagen.
    • Cell adhesion – integrins and fibronectin.
    • Water retention – GAGs.
    • Control of cell behaviour – GAGs and fibronectin.
  3. Comparison of connective tissue and basal lamina:

     

    Collagen

    Anchor

    Cell receptor

    Secreted by

    Proteoglycans

    Connective tissue

    Type I (coated by type XII)

    Fibronectin

    Integrin

    Fibroblasts

    Aggrecan (chondroitin, dermatan)

    Basal lamina

    Type IV

    Laminin

    Integrin, dystroglycan

    Epithelial cells

    Perlecan (heparan)