MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Adherens junctions and desmosomes hold cells together and are formed by transmembrane adhesion proteins that belong to the cadherin family. 2.

Detailed explanation-2: -Desmosomes connect two cells together. A desmosome is also known as a spot desmosome or macula adherens (macula = latin for spot), because it is circular or spot like in outline, and not belt-or band shaped like adherens junctions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Adherens junctions are formed by groups of proteins that anchor cells together side by side and prevent their separation-making them “adhere” to one another. Adherens junctions have three major components.

Detailed explanation-4: -The difference between desmosomes and gap junctions is that desmosomes anchor cells together and do not allow for the transfer of materials whereas gap junctions do. Desmosomes are like spot welds between two cells and anchor them together only in one place.