Cell junction
A cellular component that forms a specialized region of connection between two or more cells, or between a cell and the extracellular matrix, or between two membrane-bound components of a cell, such as flagella.
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]
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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- ↑ R. Rieger; A. Michaelis & Green M.M. 1976 Glossary of genetics and cytogenetics: classical and molecular. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag, p. 62.
- ↑ Andrew L Harris & Darren Locke 2009. Connexin:, a guide. New York: Springer. p. 574. ISBN 978-1-934115-46-6.
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