The extracellular matrix is thought to participate in the regulation of animal cell behavior by communicating information from the outside to the inside of the cell via which of the following?
A) gap junctions
B) the nucleus
C) DNA and RNA
D) integrins
E) plasmodesmata

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton of a cell. This connection allows the extracellular matrix to influence the behavior of the cell by transmitting information from the outside to the inside of the cell. Gap junctions and plasmodesmata are channels that allow for direct communication between adjacent cells. The nucleus and DNA/RNA are involved in genetic regulation but are not directly involved in communication between the extracellular matrix and the inside of the cell.

The Extracellular Matrix Is Thought to Participate in the Regulation