For Each of the Following Sentences, Fill in the Blanks

question 50

Essay

For each of the following sentences, fill in the blanks with the best word or phrase selected from the list below.Not all words or phrases will be used; use each word or phrase only once.
$\begin{array}{lll}\text { desmosome } & \text { lamin } & \text { synapse } \\\text { keratin } & \text { neurofilament } & \text { vimentin } \\\text { kinase } & \text { plectin } &\end{array}$

Intermediate filaments are found mainly in cells that are subject to mechanical stress.Gene mutations that disrupt intermediate filaments cause some rare human genetic diseases.For example, the skin of people with epidermolysis bullosa simplex is very susceptible to mechanical injury; people with this disorder have mutations in their __________ genes, which code for the intermediate filament found in epithelial cells.These filaments are usually connected from cell to cell through junctions called __________s.The main filaments found in muscle cells belong to the __________ family; people with disruptions in these intermediate filaments can have muscular dystrophy.In the nervous system, __________s help strengthen the extremely long extensions often present in nerve cell axons; disruptions in these intermediate filaments can lead to neurodegeneration.People who carry mutations in the gene for __________, an important protein for cross-linking intermediate filaments, have a disease that combines symptoms of epidermolysis bullosa simplex, muscular dystrophy, and neurodegeneration.Humans with progeria, a disease that causes premature aging, carry mutations in a nuclear __________.

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Definitions:

Fibula

A long, thin bone located on the lateral side of the tibia in the lower leg.

Tibia

A large bone located in the lower leg, commonly known as the shinbone.

Patella

The knee cap; a small, round bone that sits in front of the knee joint, helping to protect it and enhance leverage for leg muscles.

Ischium

One of the three bones that make up the pelvis, helping to form the hip joint and bear the weight of the body in the sitting position.