[Campbell Biology P.723] The text states that a protein called collagen is abundant in anima... | Practice Question

The text states that a protein called collagen is abundant in animals but not found in plants or fungi. What is the primary role of collagen in animal cells as described?

  • A: To facilitate photosynthesis and energy production.
  • B: To form rigid cell walls for protection.
  • C: To provide structural support to animal cells and connect them to one another.
  • D: To absorb nutrients from the environment.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that "proteins external to the cell membrane provide structural support to animal cells and connect them to one another... The most abundant of these proteins is collagen". Options A, B, and D describe functions not attributed to collagen in the text, or features not characteristic of animal cells.