Explain cell junctions.
Answers
Answer:
Cell junctions are a class of cellular structures consisting of multiprotein complexes that provide contact or adhesion between neighboring cells or between a cell and the extracellular matrix in animals. They also maintain the paracellular barrier of epithelia and control paracellular transport.
Cell junctions refers to the structural and fundamental links between the individual cells especially in epithelial tissue.
1. Interdigitation:- These are the finger like projections in the plasma Membrane that occurs in the cytoplasm of adjacent cells.
2. Gap junctions:- These helps to facilitate the communication process between the adjoining cells for easier transportation of ions, chemicals, nutrients etc.
3. Adhering junctions:- These perform the cementing work that holds and keeps all the cells together.
4. Tight junctions:- These help in stoppage of substances from leaking to other cells.