reasoning questions Flashcards
Why do cells adhere?
Cells adhesion occurs from the interactions between cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs), transmembrane proteins located on the cell surface. Cell adhesion links cells in different ways and can be involved in signal transduction for cells to detect and respond to changes in the surroundings.
which type of cell junction is the strongest and why?
desmosomes or “adhesion junctions” are anchored to the cytoskeleton and are stronger than tight junctions.
what are desmosomes and why are they important?
Desmosomes are intercellular junctions that provide strong adhesion between cells. Because they also link intracellularly to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton they form the adhesive bonds in a network that gives mechanical strength to tissues.
why are desmosomes present in the heart?
Cardiac myocytes must maintain mechanical and electrical connections for proper cardiac contraction. Desmosomes and adherens junctions are well known for maintaining structural connections, (while gap junctions and ion channels facilitate electrical communication between cells ).
