Basic structure and function of cells
6.e1
1
RETPaHC
The glycocalyx plays a significant role in maintenance of the integrity
of tissues and in a wide range of dynamic cellular processes, e.g. serving
as a vascular permeability barrier and transducing fluid shear stress to
the endothelial cell cytoskeleton (Weinbaum et al 2007). Disruption of
the glycocalyx on the endothelial surface of large blood vessels precedes
inflammation, a conditioning factor of atheromatosis (e.g. deposits of
cholesterol in the vascular wall leading to partial or complete obstruc-
tion of the vascular lumen).
Protein synthesis on ribosomes may be suppressed by a class of RNA
molecules known as small interfering RNA (siRNA) or silencing RNA.
These molecules are typically 20–25 nucleotides in length and bind (as
a complex with proteins) to specific mRNA molecules via their comple-
mentary sequence. This triggers the enzymatic destruction of the mRNA
or prevents the movement of ribosomes along it. Synthesis of the
encoded protein is thus prevented. Their normal function may have
antiviral or other protective effects; there is also potential for developing