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

D) integrins

Explanation:

The extracellular matrix is an intricate network of carbohydrates and proteins in the cells extracellular space. Collagen proteins undergo modification with carbohydrates within the cell to form collagen fibers; they are interwoven with proteoglycan complexes is made up of carbohydrates proteins and polysaccharides. The resulting mesh is capable of providing structural integrity, mechanical strength and support to tissue.

In the ECM, the fibers are joined to integrins by fibrobronectin bridges. Integrin proteins form crucial connections between surrounding cells, are embedded within the cells' plasma membranes and anchors them in the ECM. Also, they facilitate cell communication in the environment - they are capable of detecting mechanical and chemical signals from the ECM and respond by stimulating signal pathways inside the cell.