Anatomy Project

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Tight junction – impermeable junction that
encircles the cell

-Integral membrane proteins in the plasma membrane of adjacent cells that fuse together
-Help prevent molecules from passing through the extracellular space between adjacent cells

Desmosome – anchoring junction scattered along the sides of cells
Plaque on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane

-Adjacent cells are held together by cadherins that extend from the plaques and interdigitate in the intercellular space like a zipper
-Intermediate filaments form part of the cytoskeleton and extend from the plaques on the opposite sides of a cell
-Abundant in tissues subjected to great mechanical stress

Gap junction – a nexus that allows chemical substances to pass between cells

-E.g. connexons: transmembrane proteins that form a hollow cylinder that connects adjacent cells
-Varying connexons result in varying selectivity
-Things like ions, sugars, and small molecules can pass

23. Compare the structure and function of tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions.

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Anatomy Project

By steveclarke

Anatomy Project. Steve Clarke

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