Cell Junctions Study Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of tight junctions?

  • Facilitating cell communication through electrical signals
  • Providing direct pathways for ion transmission between cells
  • Creating a barrier to prevent leakage of substances (correct)
  • Anchoring cells to the extracellular matrix

Which type of junction is responsible for the rapid transmission of nerve impulses between cardiac muscle cells?

  • Adherens junction
  • Gap junction (correct)
  • Desmosome
  • Tight junction

What describes the intercellular space in tight junctions?

  • Broad and filled with plasma proteins
  • Non-existent as cells overlap completely
  • Variable depending on the tissue type
  • Narrow, approximately 15 nm, with an electron-dense material (correct)

What type of modifications are considered basal modifications in epithelial cells?

<p>Basal infolding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes adherens junctions in epithelial cells?

<p>They connect cells via plaques and actin filaments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of junctions are primarily involved in forming anchors between cells?

<p>Desmosomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of epithelial polarity?

<p>To enable different activities at various cell locations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cilia is true?

<p>Cilia are shorter than microvilli but motile. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs at the apical surface of epithelial cells?

<p>Presence of cilia or microvilli for absorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms a supporting layer beneath epithelial cells?

<p>Basement membrane (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tight junction

A cell junction that forms a tight seal between cells, preventing leakage of fluids and molecules between them.

Adherens junction

A cell junction that connects cells via anchoring proteins and intermediate filaments, providing structural support and resistance to mechanical stress.

Gap junction

A cell junction that allows direct communication between cells through channels formed by connexins, facilitating rapid passage of ions and small molecules.

Desmosome

A specialized cell junction that provides strong adhesion between cells, anchoring intermediate filaments to the cell membrane and forming a strong, button-like structure.

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Apical modification

A specialized structure on the apical surface of cells that are involved in absorption, secretion, or sensing.

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Stereocilia

A type of apical modification that are long, non-motile microvilli that increase surface area for absorption.

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Cilia

A type of apical modification that are hair-like projections from the cell surface that can move and propel fluids.

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Basal infolding

A type of basal modification that increases surface area for efficient exchange of fluids and nutrients between cells and their environment.

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Basement membrane

A thin, supportive layer of extracellular matrix that separates epithelial cells from underlying connective tissue.

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Cell polarity

The characteristic of a cell that has distinct apical and basal domains, allowing for specialized functions on different surfaces.

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Study Notes

Cell Junctions

  • Cell junctions are membrane-associated structures that connect and adhere adjacent cells, enabling communication and adhesion.
  • There are three main types of intercellular junctions: tight junctions, adherens junctions, and gap junctions.
  • Tight junctions create a seal between two adjacent cells, preventing the passage of substances between them. This seal is formed by the fusion of protein strands from each cell.
  • Adherens junctions join cells using intercellular material and specific proteins like zonula adherens, creating a connection between them.
  • Desmosomes are a type of adherens junction, acting like strong spots of adhesion between cells. The structure includes a thickened region (plaque) on each cell's cytoplasmic surface. Intermediate filaments (like keratin) are inserted into the plaques.
  • Gap junctions provide channels between adjacent cells, facilitating the direct passage of ions and small molecules.
    • The intercellular space between these cells is narrow (2nm).
    • These channels are made of integral proteins in the membrane, arranged side by side.
  • The structure of cell junctions is crucial.
    • Variations exist in the structure and composition of these junctions, leading to diverse functions. For example, the number and arrangement of proteins influence the properties of these junctions.
  • The function of cell junctions is vital, allowing specialized processes like absorption or signaling.
  • Specific medical conditions arise from defects in cell adhesion and communication. For instance, defects in tight junctions can impact fetal brain development.
  • Epithelial polarity is crucial; it results in cells having distinct apical (top), basal (bottom), and lateral (sides) modifications for specialized functionalities.
    • Apical modifications such as microvilli and stereocilia are prominent in tissues like the small intestine, enabling efficient nutrient absorption.
    • Basal modifications, such as infoldings in the membrane, increase the cell's surface area, ideal for substances exchange.
    • Lateral modifications—junctions—are integral for intercellular communication and interactions.

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