Epithelial Cell Junctions Overview
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Questions and Answers

Intermediate filaments are primarily responsible for cell-cell attachment in epithelial tissue.

False

Cadherins are transmembrane proteins that require Ca2+ for cell-cell interaction.

True

Intermediate filaments play a crucial role in cell motility.

False

Desmosomes provide strong mechanical attachment between adjacent cardiac muscle cells.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tight junctions create pathways for molecules to pass between epithelial cells.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Epithelial tissue is strengthened by intermediate filaments that span the cytoplasm from one cell junction to another.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Epithelial tissues have a complex structure that includes a basal surface facing underlying tissues.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Actin filaments, also known as microfilaments, are more rigid than microtubules.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cadherins play no role in the organization of epithelial tissues.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cadherins are important for the establishment and maintenance of cell junctions.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gap junctions allow electrolytes and other molecules to flow directly between adjacent cells.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The diameter of intermediate filaments is significantly larger than that of microfilaments.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Catenin is a major transmembrane protein associated with tight junctions.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microtubules are static structures that do not change their length during cellular processes.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microfilaments are involved in muscle contraction and cell division.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nuclear lamina is formed by a type of microtubule.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cadherins are primarily involved in the formation of tight junctions between cells.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intermediate filaments are composed of tubulin subunits.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Organized structures of epithelial tissue contribute to the integrity of the tissue.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cilia function as sensory organelles in only one type of epithelial tissue.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Centriole consists of 9 sets of 3 attached microtubules arranged to form a hollow cylinder.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microtubules play no role in intracellular transport within the cell.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of microtubules is to form organelles like cilia and flagella.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microtubules are more rigid than actin filaments.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epithelial Cell Junctions

  • Tight junctions create impermeable or semipermeable barriers, primarily found in epithelial membranes.
  • Gap junctions facilitate the passage of electrolytes and other molecules between cells, also known as communicating junctions.
  • Adherens junctions provide strong mechanical attachment between cells, holding cells tightly together during expansion and contraction, such as in cardiac muscle.
  • Desmosomes function as spot welds, holding cells together and preventing lateral tearing of tissues.

Adherens Junctions

  • Cadherin is a major transmembrane protein in adherens junctions.
  • Catenin is a major peripheral protein that connects cadherin to actin.
  • Actin is the cytoskeletal anchor for adherens junctions.

Cadherins

  • Transmembrane proteins with extracellular segments containing 5 domains.
  • Ca2+-dependent dimers form between cadherin molecules on adjacent cells.
  • Removing Ca2+ disrupts cell-cell interactions and causes cells to dissociate.

Cytoskeleton

  • Microtubules are long, hollow cylinders composed of tubulin (alpha and beta tubulin) with a diameter of 25 nm.
  • Microtubules are more rigid than actin filaments and often have one end attached to a microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) called a centrosome.
  • Microtubules are involved in cellular division, organization of intracellular structure, intracellular transport, and ciliary and flagellar motility.

Centrosome

  • Centrioles are made up of tubulin and form the major microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in human cells.
  • Centrioles consist of nine sets of three attached microtubules arranged in a hollow cylinder.
  • Centrosomes organize microtubules in the cytoplasm and form the mitotic spindle during cell division.

Microfilaments

  • Actin filaments (microfilaments) are two-stranded helical polymers of the protein actin, with a diameter of 5-9 nm.
  • Microfilaments are less rigid than MT and are organized into linear bundles, two-dimensional networks, and three-dimensional gels.
  • Microfilaments are most concentrated in the cell cortex, just beneath the plasma membrane.
  • Microfilaments are essential for muscle contraction, cell motility, cell division, vesicle movement, cell signaling, and cell junction formation.
  • Actin filaments and myosin work together for muscle movement.

Intermediate Filaments

  • Intermediate filaments are fibrous structures with a diameter of around 10 nm, composed of various intermediate filament proteins.
  • Intermediate filaments do not directly participate in cell motility.
  • Nuclear lamina is formed by one type of intermediate filament, located just beneath the inner nuclear membrane.
  • Intermediate filaments extend across the cytoplasm, providing mechanical strength to cells.
  • Intermediate filaments strengthen epithelial tissue by spanning the cytoplasm from one cell-cell junction to another.

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Related Documents

BIOL1110 M2 Lecture 3 PDF

Description

Explore the key types of epithelial cell junctions, including tight junctions, gap junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes. Understand the components and functions of adherens junctions, particularly the roles of cadherin and catenin in cell adhesion. This quiz will test your knowledge on these essential cellular structures.

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