what are desmosomes? Explain their structure and how do they work.
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Answer:
A structure by which the two adjective cells are attached formed from protine plaque in the cell membrane linked by filaments
Answer:
Abstract
Desmosomes are intercellular junctions of epithelia and cardiac muscle. They resist mechanical stress because they adopt a strongly adhesive state in which they are said to be hyper-adhesive and which distinguishes them from other intercellular junctions; desmosomes are specialised for strong adhesion and their failure can result in diseases of the skin and heart. They are also dynamic structures whose adhesiveness can switch between high and low affinity adhesive states during processes such as embryonic development and wound healing, the switching being signalled by protein kinase C. Desmosomes may also act as signalling centres, regulating the availability of signalling molecules and thereby participating in fundamental processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis. Here we consider the structure, composition and function of desmosomes, and their role in embryonic development and disease.
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1. Introduction
Desmosomes are intercellular junctions that provide strong adhesion between cells. Because they also link intracellularly to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton they form the adhesive bonds in a network that gives mechanical strength to tissues. Thus desmosomes are particularly abundant in tissues such as epidermis and myocardium that are continually assailed by mechanical forces. When desmosomal adhesion fails, as in certain genetic and autoimmune diseases, tissues that are subjected to mechanical stress may fall apart. The desmosome–intermediate filament complex (DIFC) is a network or scaffolding that maintains the integrity of such tissues.