The extracellular matrix can influence the shape of a cell because: (1) cell adhesion proteins on the plasma membrane attach to the extracellular matrix; (2) cell adhesion proteins attach to the cell's cytoskeleton; (3) the cytoskeleton determines cell shape.
A)Statement (1)is correct.
B)Statement (2)is correct.
C)Statement (3)is correct.
D)Statement (1)and (2)are correct.
E)All of the statements are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the statements are correct. The extracellular matrix contains cell adhesion proteins that can bind to the plasma membrane of a cell, which in turn can be connected to the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is responsible for maintaining cell shape, so changes to the extracellular matrix can have an impact on cell shape.

The Extracellular Matrix Can Influence the Shape of a Cell