Which of the following is not a function of the extracellular matrix?

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays several crucial roles in tissue structure and function, but storing genetic material is not one of its functions. The ECM is composed of a network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural support, facilitates cell communication, and aids in the attachment of cells to one another and to the surrounding tissue. These functions contribute to the overall integrity and functionality of tissues in multicellular organisms.

In contrast, genetic material, which consists of DNA, is stored and managed within the cell nucleus, not the ECM. The ECM may influence gene expression and cellular behavior through biochemical signals, but the genetic information itself is localized within the cell, primarily in the nucleus. This distinction highlights the specific roles of both the ECM and the nucleus in the life of a cell.