Matrix (biology)

In biology, matrix (plural: matrices) is the material (or tissue) between animal or plant cells, in which more specialized structures are embedded, and a specific part of the mitochondrion that is the site of oxidation of organic molecules. The internal structure of connective tissues is an extracellular matrix. Finger nails and toenails grow from matrices.

Tissue matrices

Extracellular matrix

Main article: Extracellular matrix

The molecules forming the "glue" between cells in connective tissues are summarily referred to as the extracellular matrix.

Bone matrix

Main article: Osteon

Bone is a form of connective tissue found in the body and has a storage area, or osteon region, also called matrix that allows mineral salts such as calcium to be stored.

Subcellular matrices

Mitochondrial matrix

Main article: Mitochondrial matrix

In the mitochondrion, the matrix contains soluble enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of pyruvate and other small organic molecules.

Nuclear matrix

Main article: Nuclear matrix

In the cell nucleus the matrix is the insoluble fraction that remains after extracting the solubled DNA.

Golgi matrix

The Golgi matrix is a protein scaffold made up of golgins on the cytoplasmic side of the Golgi apparatus involved in keeping its shape and membrane stacking.

Matrix (medium)

A matrix is also a medium in which bacteria are grown (cultured). For instance, a Petri dish of agar may be the matrix for culturing a sample swabbed from a patient's throat.

See also

• Matrix biology
• Matricity

Tissues and cells

• Germinal matrix
• Hair matrix cell

Molecular biology

• Matrix protein
• Matrix metalloproteinase
• Matrix attachment region

Bioinformatics and sequence evolution

• Similarity matrix
• PAM matrix
• Substitution matrix
• Position-specific scoring matrix

Botany and agriculture

• Matrix Planting

Population biology and ecology

• Matrix population models