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Cell junction

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cell junctions join cells in some biological tissues.

They have long protein chains, The proteins keep connections between neighbouring cells or between a cell and other structures. They also control substance transport outside cell surfaces.[1]

Example of some cell junctions

Vertebrates have three main types of cell junction:[2]

  • Adherens junctions: holds cells together and provides tissues with structural support. They are common where mechanical stress occurs eg. skin or heart
  • Gap junctions: allows for chemical communication between neighbouring cells
  • Tight junctions: regulate movement of water and liquids between epithelial layers
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References

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  1. R. Rieger; A. Michaelis & Green M.M. 1976 Glossary of genetics and cytogenetics: classical and molecular. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag, p. 62.
  2. Andrew L Harris & Darren Locke 2009. Connexin:, a guide. New York: Springer. p. 574. ISBN 978-1-934115-46-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)