Cell signalling Flashcards
what are tight junctions?
Cells adhered together with no gap, so nothing can pass through. Creates a physical barrier. Dependant on calcium.
Where are tight junctions found?
In the intestine, the kidney, the blood brain barrier etc.
What are adherens junctions?
Adherens junctions link actin filaments of two different cells.
What are desmosomes?
Desmosomes link Keratin filaments in two different cells.
What are gap junctions?
A channel that links 2 cell’s cytoplasms. Constantly open. Connexions - 6 subunit protein.
Where are gap junctions found?
Gap junctions are found in the heart muscle, the liver and the pancreas.
How does cell adhesion get affected by disease?
tight junctions are sealed, but can be damaged by disease. Malignant tumour cells can therefore break from the original tumour, and travel to other cells and recolanize.
