Cell Junctions and their Functions By Jennifer Romero and Endy Hernandez
Cell Junctions -Intercellular bridges located between the cells of animals -2 major types
Gap Junction -Made of 6 proteins called connexons -Connect the cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells -Permit free passage of molecules
Plasmodesmata Fine strands of cytoplasm Connects cytoplasm of cell wall to that of its neighbors Extension of plasma membrane Proteins regulate permeability Communication and transportation Primary pit fields
Tight Junctions -Belts of protein that close extracellular space -Prevent particles from going through the opening of 2 adjacent cells
Gap and Tight Junctions Side to Side
Desmosomes Holds cells together Attached to filaments of keratin in cytoplasm Contains calcium molecules Aid in electro-chemical communication between adjoining cells Common in epithelia
Summary Gap Junctions Plasmodesmata Tight Junctions Desmosomes
Works Cited kimball, J. "Junctions between cells." users.rcn.com. N.p., 17 feb Web. 16 Sep Hannahs, Greg. "Plasmosdesmata." biology.kenyon.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sep Whitmer, Phil. "What Are Cell Junctions?." ehow. N.p.. Web. 16 Sep “Junctions Between Cells Simplified.” About Dbriers.com N.p. Web. 16 September simplified/