Cell junction

Cell junctions join cells in some biological tissues.

They have long protein chains, The proteins keep connections between neighbouring cells or between a cell and other structures. They also control substance transport outside cell surfaces.^[1]

Example of some cell junctions

Vertebrates have three main types of cell junction:^[2]

Adherens junctions: holds cells together and provides tissues with structural support. They are common where mechanical stress occurs eg. skin or heart
- desmosomes
- hemidesmosomes
Gap junctions: allows for chemical communication between neighbouring cells
Tight junctions: regulate movement of water and liquids between epithelial layers

Cell Junction Media

This image shows a desmosome junction between cells of the epidermal layer of the skin.
The cartoon of epithelium cells connected by tricellular junctions at the regions where three cells meet.

Related pages

References

↑ R. Rieger; A. Michaelis & Green M.M. 1976 Glossary of genetics and cytogenetics: classical and molecular. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag, p. 62.
↑ Andrew L Harris & Darren Locke 2009. Connexin:, a guide. New York: Springer. p. 574. ISBN 978-1-934115-46-6.

[riger-1] R. Rieger; A. Michaelis & Green M.M. 1976 Glossary of genetics and cytogenetics: classical and molecular. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag, p. 62.

[2] Andrew L Harris & Darren Locke 2009. Connexin:, a guide. New York: Springer. p. 574. ISBN 978-1-934115-46-6.

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