What is a major difference between the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a plant cell and the ECM of an animal cell?
A) Plant ECM is composed primarily of proteins, whereas animal ECM is mainly carbohydrates.
B) Plant ECM is primarily carbohydrate in nature, whereas animal ECM is mainly proteins.
C) Plant and animal ECMs are quite similar in structure and function.
D) ECM components in plant cells are released extracellularly by the Golgi stacks, whereas lysosomes do this in animal cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major difference between the ECM of a plant cell and an animal cell is that the plant ECM is primarily carbohydrate in nature, while the animal ECM is mainly composed of proteins. Plant cells produce a complex ECM called the cell wall, which is composed mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. In contrast, animal cells secrete and assemble a diverse array of ECM proteins, including collagen, fibronectin, and laminins, among others.

What Is a Major Difference Between the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)