Cell Junctions Flashcards
What is the role of the extracellular matrix?
To take the mechanical stress of tension from the connective tissue.
What is the function of an epithelial cell?
To form a barrier and protect. Specialised for transport of substances.
What is an outstanding feature of epithelial cells?
No space inbetween other cells. Very little ECM. (Extracellular matrix)
How are neighbouring epithelial cells connected to each other?
Cell Junctions
What are the four major classes of cell-cell junctions?
- ) Anchoring
- ) Occluding
- ) Channel-forming
- ) Signal-relaying
Definition of an anchoring junction
Cytoskeleton of both cells combine to create a mechanical connection.
Two types of anchoring junctions are?
Desmosomes - IFs
Adherens junctions - Actin
What is cadherin?
Membrane protein used for anchoring junctions.
Purpose of cell adhesion molecules?
Promote cell-cell interactions
Purpose of tight junctions?
Prevent substances from moving through the ‘space’ in-between cells.
Which ion is required for a tight junction to function?
Ca2+
Purpose of a gap junction?
Allows adjacent cells to respond to intracellular signals.
