Question

Adjacent cells are interconnected by:
A. Vacuoles
B. E.R.
C. Desmosomes
D. Mitochondria

Answer 1

Intercellular connections serve the functions of intercellular transport and structural stability. Cells are connected by tight junctions, adherens junctions, and gap junctions.

Step by step answer: Desmosomes are a specialized type of intercellular junctions. They are adhesive protein complexes that are localized to intercellular junctions. They are responsible for maintaining the mechanical integrity and structural stability of the tissues. The term desmosome was coined by Josef Schaffer in 1920. The primary function of desmosomes is to form stable adhesive junctions between the cells. There are three main families of proteins that coordinate to perform this adherent function. They are the desmosomal cadherins, desmogleins (Dsgs), and desmocollins (Dscs). These proteins are transmembrane proteins. They interact in the extracellular space to connect cells together.
The molecular composition of desmosomes varies depending on the tissue type. They also depend on the types and concentrations of cadherins and armadillo proteins (special integral proteins) present. Complex and stratified tissues such as the epidermis display the major differences in the desmosomal composition between the basal and the suprabasal layers.
Hence, the correct answer is Option C: Desmosomes

Additional Information:
The following are the types of intercellular junctions:
Plasmodesmata: It is a minute thread of cytoplasm extending between cells. They contain an even thinner thread of endoplasmic reticulum.
Gap junctions: They develop from a set of six membrane proteins known as connexins. They are formed by an elongated and donut-shaped structure called a connexon. They help in the transport of substances between different adjacent cells.
Tight junctions: They form a water-tight connection between adjacent cells. The cells are held tightly against each other by numerous individual groups of tight junction proteins known as claudins. Each of these proteins interacts with a similar partner group on the opposite cell membrane.

Note: Desmosomes are the modifications of the plasma membrane and are a specialized type of intercellular junctions. The primary function of desmosomes is to form stable adhesive junctions between the cells. It is responsible for maintaining the mechanical integrity and structural stability of the tissues.