AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Collagens are responsible for the strength of the extracellular matrix. The most abundant component of the ECM (Extracellular Matrix) in animals is a large family of closely related proteins called collagens, which form fibers with high tensile strength and thus account for much of the strength of the ECM.

Detailed explanation-2: -Collagen fibers form the extracellular framework of all tissues and are essential for tensile strength. The collagen molecules in these fibers are synthesized as larger precursor proteins, known as procollagens, from which large propeptide domains are enzymatically cleaved en bloc.

Detailed explanation-3: -Collagen is protein molecules made up of amino acids. It provides structural support to the extracellular space of connective tissues. Due to its rigidity and resistance to stretching, it is the perfect matrix for skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments.

Detailed explanation-4: -A number of recent studies on tensile mechanical properties of individual collagen fibrils report modulus values ranging from 0.2 to 0.86 GPa for hydrated fibrils (16–18).

Detailed explanation-5: -Each fiber of collagen contains thousands of individual collagen molecules that are bound together by cross-linking and staggered covalent bonds (the strongest bonds that exist between protein molecules).