Answer to Question #214295 in Cell Biology for Moe

Question

1.3) Provide the location and function for each of the following cell junctions:

1. Desmosomes; 2.Tight junctions; 3.Gap junctions; 4.Plasmodesmata

Answer 1

1. Desmosomes

are found in tissue that experience intense mechanical stress, such as cardiac muscle tissue, bladder tissue, gastrointestinal mucosa, and epithelia. They mechanically integrate cells within tissues and thereby they act to resist mechanical stress.

2.Tight junctions

are Located at the border between apical and lateral membranes, tight junctions regulate the passage of proteins and liquids across the cell monolayer and support the maintenance of cell polarity by restricting intermixing of apical and basolateral transmembrane components.

3.Gap junctions

are found in epithelia ,nerves, cardiac (heart) muscle, and smooth muscle. They directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells, which allows various molecules, ions and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells.

4.Plasmodesmata

They found in plants and algae cells. Are membrane-lined passages that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells and allow small molecules to move freely between the two cells.