Cell Biology: Intermediate Filaments and Junctions

Rope-like protein structures composed of tetramers, tightly bundled into helical arrays, providing structural support to cells. Different types exist, including keratins, desmin, vimentin, and more.

A type of intermediate filament found in epithelial cells (skin, lining of organs).

Intermediate filament found in muscle cells, providing stability to muscle tissue.

Specialized areas where cells connect, providing structural support and controlling the passage of materials between cells.

A type of intercellular junction that encircles the cell like a belt.

Cell junctions that provide mechanical stability to cells, holding cells together and to the extracellular matrix.

Cell junctions that form an impermeable barrier, preventing materials from passing between cells.

Intercellular junctions that form extensive sheets of contact between cells.

Intercellular junctions formed by spot-welds anchoring cells closely together.

A type of communicating junction that forms a seal around cells, preventing the passage of molecules between them.

A type of communicating junction that provides strong adhesion between cells, but allows substances to pass through.

Transmembrane proteins that are crucial components of tight junctions, binding to each other to create a seal.

Transmembrane linker proteins in zonula adherens that bind to each other via calcium ions.

Cell junctions that provide strong mechanical strength and resistance to stress, like spot welds.

Cell junctions that allow the direct passage of small molecules and ions between cells.

Cytoskeletal filaments that anchor desmosomes to the cell's internal structure.

Transmembrane proteins that form channels called connexons, permitting passage of small molecules between cells.

Structures formed by the assembly of connexin proteins, forming channels for passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells.