Chondrocytes have a pericellular matrix which contains type II collagen (and other collagens etc) but not type I collagen unless the cartilage is osteoarthritic. Hence chondrogenic cells would not normally be in direct contact with type I collagen. Even at the osteochondral interface, chondrocytes are separated from the bone by a thin layer of type II collagen-containing cartilage unless the ossification front reaches them (as in development) at which point they die (or transdifferentiate).

Dear John,

Thanks a lot for the clarification I was looking for. That is a great help. I will keep this into consideration.

Truly,

Subhash