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Membrane Junctions
Three types:
Tight junction
Desmosome
Gap junction
Membrane Junctions: Tight Junctions
Impermeable junctions prevent molecules from
passing through the intercellular space
Found in epidermal and endodermal tissues and
linings
Membrane Junctions: Desmosomes
Anchoring junctions bind adjacent cells together
and help form an internal tension‐reducing network
of fibers
“Rivets” or “spot‐welds” that anchor cells together
Found in tissues that move and expand such as
the bladder
Membrane Junctions: Gap Junctions
Transmembrane proteins form pores that allow ions
and small molecules to pass from one cell to the next
for intercellular communication
Found in cardiac or smooth muscle cells
Roles of Cell Adhesion Molecules
Anchor cells to extracellular matrix or to each other
Assist in movement of cells past one another
CAMs of blood vessel lining attract white blood cells
to injured or infected areas
Stimulate synthesis or degradation of adhesive
membrane junctions
Transmit intracellular signals to direct cell migration, proliferation, and specialization
Roles of Membrane Receptors
Contact signaling—touching and recognition of cells; e.g., in normal development and immunity
Chemical signaling—interaction between receptors and ligands (neurotransmitters, hormones and paracrines) to
alter activity of cell proteins (e.g., enzymes or chemically gated ion channels)
G protein–linked receptors—ligand binding activates a G protein, affecting an ion channel or enzyme or causing the
release of an internal second messenger, such as cyclic AMP
Motor Molecules
Protein complexes that function in movement of
organelles and contraction
Powered by ATP
Examples include:
Myosin ‐ responsible for muscle contraction
Kinesin ‐ moves cargo inside cells away from
the nucleus along microtubules
Dynein ‐ produces the beating of cilia and
flagella and also transports cargo along
microtubules towards the cell nucleus