Cell Junctions and their Functions By Jennifer Romero

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

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