Bone Matrix Composition The bony matrix is a mineralized connective tissue composed of organic and inorganic components that allow for strength as well as a degree of flexibility. The organic...

Extracted text: Bone Matrix Composition The bony matrix is a mineralized connective tissue composed of organic and inorganic components that allow for strength as well as a degree of flexibility. The organic component of bone is collagen, which allows for resilience and flexibility of rigid bony tissue. The inorganic components to bone are mineralized salts such as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate and allow for rigidity and strength. This experiment observes how the physical properties of bone change when the properties of its matrix are altered. Soaking bone in acetic acid (vinegar) dissolves out the mineral salts and heating bone denatures and removes the fibrous protein (collagen). Examine a chicken bone that has been soaked in acetic acid (vinegar), one that has been baked and an untreated bone. Record your observations regarding hardness and flexibility in Table 7.2. Identify what is missing or has been degraded (organic vs. inorganic matrix) due to the treatment. Table 7.2. Effect of treatments on bony matrix. Bone Observations What is missing? Soaked Baked Untreated 175