Cell Membrane Junctions Flashcards
What are the three main functions of cell membrane junctions?
- Bind cells together
- Anchor cells
- Allow for direct cell to cell communication
What are the three main types of cell membrane junctions?
- Tight junctions
- Desmosomes
- Gap junctions
What are tight junctions?
The area where the plasma membranes of neighbouring cells are fused together like a zipper
Which type of cell membrane junctions forms an impermeable barrier?
Tight junctions
What are desmosomes?
Button-like thickenings of adjacent plasma membranes connected by fine protein filaments
Which type of cell membrane junctions prevents cells subjected to mechanical stress from being pulled apart?
Desmosomes
What are gap junctions?
The junction formed when adjacent cell membranes are connected by connexons
What are connexons?
Hollow, cylindrical transmembrane proteins that span the entire width of adjacent membranes
Which type of cell membrane junctions functions mainly to allow communication?
Gap junctions
