Overview Components collagen see Collagen topic elastin see Elastin topic glycoproteins structure protein + carbohydrates protein content > carbohydrate content opposite true for proteoglycans function attach cells to various components of the ECM examples entactin tenascin laminin fibronectin structure insoluble monomers involved in linking cell surface integrins to ECM soluble protein assists in blood clotting functions attach cells to various components of the ECM can circulate in plasma to assist with clotting biofilm formation via cell adhesion to basement membranes proteoglycans structure protein + glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) GAGs have large amount of negative charges due to sulfation examples of GAGs chondroitin sulfate dermatan sulfate keratan sulfate heparan sulfate hyaluronic acid function high degree of hydration sponge-like nature resists compression found in high concentrations in cartilage