Cell Adhesion Structures Quiz

What is the primary function of zonula adherens in cellular structures?

Which protein complex is associated with cadherins in zonula adherens?

Which type of cell primarily contains fascia adherens?

What characterizes desmosomes in terms of structure?

What role do intermediate filaments play in macula adherens (desmosome)?

What is a defining physical characteristic of fascia adherens compared to zonula adherens?

Which protein is known to bind the cytoplasmic part of cadherin in zonula adherens?

What do desmoplakins and plakoglobins primarily contribute to in macula adherens?

What is the mechanical role of zonula adherens in cellular structure?

Which type of junction does macula adherens primarily represent?

Which of the following is true regarding the intermediate filaments in macula adherens?

What is the function of cadherins in zonula adherens?

The fuzzy plaque found in zonula adherens corresponds to which of the following?

What distinguishes the intercellular space in macula adherens?

Which type of cells predominantly contain fascia adherens?

Zonula Adherens

Provides mechanical stability to cells.
Forms a belt-like junction between adjacent cells.
The intercellular space contains extracellular portions of cadherin proteins.
Cadherin is a calcium-dependent transmembrane protein.
Intracellular protein, catenin, binds to the cytoplasmic part of cadherin, creating a complex.
The E-cadherin/catenin complex interacts with vinculin.
Vinculin interacts with alpha-actinin, linking to actin filaments.
A "fuzzy plaque" contains the cadherin/catenin complex, vinculin, and alpha-actinin at the cytoplasmic side, corresponding to a terminal bar at the light microscopic level.
Actin filaments are part of the terminal web.

Fascia Adherens

Structure is sheet-like, not belt-like.
Found in non-epithelial cells, such as cardiac muscle cells.

Macula Adherens (Desmosome)

Resists shearing forces and distributes physical forces within the cell.
Forms a spot-like junction.
Desmosomes have characteristic attachment plaques.
Desmoplakins and plakoglobins are key proteins within attachment plaques, which also contain cytoplasmic parts of desmogleins and desmocollins.
Intermediate filaments insert into attachment plaques, interacting with desmoplakins and plakoglobins, forming a loop and returning.
Desmoglein and desmocollin (cadherins) are transmembrane glycoproteins connecting the plasma membranes of adjacent cells.
The intercellular space shows a distinctive intermediate line, corresponding to the extracellular portions of desmoglein and desmocollin.

Test your knowledge on the various types of cell adhesion structures, including zonula adherens, fascia adherens, and macula adherens (desmosomes). This quiz covers the functions, locations, and characteristics of these critical cellular junctions. Perfect for students studying cell biology and physiology.