The Difference Between Tight Junctions, Desmosomes, and Gap Junctions Is

question 85

Multiple Choice

The difference between tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions is that

• A) desmosomes and gap junctions contain keratin, whereas tight junctions have collagen.
• B) gap junctions and tight junctions have specialized protein channels called connexons, whereas desmosomes do not.
• C) tight junctions and desmosomes have mechanical roles, whereas gap junctions facilitate communication between cells.
• D) desmosomes and gap junctions are found in epithelial tissue, whereas tight junctions are found in nerve cells.
• E) they all have different functions, even though their structure is the same.

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Definitions:

Lipid

A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, phospholipids, and others.

Protein

A large, complex organic compound composed of covalently linked amino acid subunits; contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Cholesterol

A waxy type of lipid that is essential for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D, but high levels can lead to health issues.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disease with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern;