Cell Adhesion Structures Quiz

A belt-like junction that provides mechanical stability. It involves cadherin proteins, which are transmembrane and calcium-dependent. Cadherins interact with intracellular proteins like catenin, vinculin, and alpha-actinin, linking to actin filaments.

A sheet-like junction found in non-epithelial cells like cardiac muscle. It provides cell-to-cell adhesion but it is not a belt-like structure like zonula adherens.

A spot-like junction that resists shearing forces and dissipates physical forces. It features attachment plaques that are made of desmoplakins and plakoglobins, linked to intermediate filaments.

Transmembrane proteins that are components of desmosomes. They bind to desmoplakins and plakoglobins in the attachment plaques.

The intracellular region of a desmosome where desmoplakins and plakoglobins bind to intermediate filaments, providing structural support and anchoring.

A strong, belt-like junction that holds cells together, often found in epithelial tissues. It's made of cadherin proteins that are linked to the cytoskeleton through intracellular proteins like catenin, vinculin, and alpha-actinin.

A transmembrane protein that plays a key role in cell-cell adhesion. It's calcium-dependent and found in zonula adherens junctions. It interacts with intracellular proteins like catenin to anchor the junction to the cytoskeleton.

A complex of proteins that connects cadherins to the cytoskeleton. It's found in zonula adherens and helps distribute mechanical stress to the cell.

A sheet-like junction that's found in non-epithelial cells, particularly in cardiac muscle. It helps connect cells for strong contraction but isn't a belt-like structure.

A strong, spot-like junction that provides resistance against shearing forces. It's characterized by dense 'attachment plaques' that link to intermediate filaments for extra strength.

Special protein structures within desmosomes that anchor intermediate filaments to the plasma membrane. They're made of desmoplakins and plakoglobins.

Transmembrane proteins found in desmosomes that help connect adjacent cells. They are part of the cadherin family and contribute to the strong, spot-like nature of these junctions.

A dense, continuous line observed in the intercellular space of a desmosome. It represents the extracellular domain of desmoglein and desmocollin, proteins that bind adjacent cells together.

Structures that provide mechanical stability to epithelial cells by acting like 'rivets' to resist pulling forces. They contain attachment plaques made of proteins like desmoplakins and plakoglobins that connect to intermediate filaments.

They are similar in structure to zonula adherens, but they are found in non-epithelial tissues, like cardiac muscle. Their sheet-like structure allows for strong cell-to-cell connections.