Biochemical Processes in Epithelial and Connective Tissue
Epithelial Tissue:
- Function: Covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands. Functions include protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.
- Cell Junctions: Tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions ensure cohesion and communication between cells.
- Basement Membrane: A specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) providing structural support and filtering functions. Composed mainly of collagen IV, laminins, nidogens, and perlecan.
Biochemical Processes in Epithelial and Connective Tissue
Connective Tissue:
- Function: Supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs. Includes a variety of tissues such as bone, cartilage, adipose tissue, and blood.
- Extracellular Matrix (ECM): The ECM is a complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural and biochemical support to cells.
Biochemical Processes in Epithelial and Connective Tissue
Elastins
- Structure: Elastin is a key protein in connective tissue, providing elasticity. Composed of tropoelastin monomers that are cross-linked to form an elastic fiber network.
- Function: Allows tissues to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. Found in large amounts in tissues that require elasticity, such as lungs, arteries, and skin.
- Synthesis: Tropoelastin is secreted by cells and then assembled into fibers in the ECM, where it is cross-linked by lysyl oxidase.