Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc.

Part III

Cell Junctions
Most animal cells release materials into the extracellular space. The primary components of
these materials are proteins, and the most abundant protein is collagen. Collagen fibers are
interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans.
Collectively, these materials are called the extracellular matrix. . Not only does the
extracellular matrix hold the cells together to form a tissue, but it also allows the cells
within the tissue to communicate with each other.

Cells have protein receptors on the extracellular surfaces of their plasma membranes.
When a molecule within the matrix binds to the receptor, it changes the molecular
structure of the receptor. The receptor, in turn, changes the conformation of the
microfilaments positioned just inside the plasma membrane. These conformational
changes induce chemical signals inside the cell that reach the nucleus and turn “on” or “off”
the transcription of specific sections of DNA, which affects the production of associated
proteins, thus changing the activities within the cell.

Fig: Extra cellular matrix

Intercellular Junctions: Cells can also communicate with each other via direct contact,
referred to as intercellular junctions. There are some differences in the ways that plant and
Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc. Part III

animal cells do this. Animal cell contacts include occluding junction (tight junctions), gap
junctions, and adherens, whereas plasmodesmata are the junction between plant cells.

1. Occluding junctions (Tight Junctions) : Occluding/Tight junctions are virtually (but

also partly selectively) impermeable seals that encircle cells and bind them together into
leakproof sheets. In other words, the plasma membranes of adjacent cells essentially fuse
together tightly in order to limit the leakage of various substances between the two cells.

Epithelia are sheets of cells that provide the interface between masses of cells and a cavity
or space (a lumen).s

 The portion of the cell exposed to the lumen is called its apical surface.
 The rest of the cell (i.e., its sides and base) make up the basolateral surface.

Tight junctions seal adjacent epithelial cells in a narrow band just beneath their apical
surface. They consist of a network of claudins and other proteins.

Fig: Occluding/Tight Junction

Tight junctions perform two vital functions:

 They limit the passage of molecules and ions through the space between cells. So
most materials must actually enter the cells (by diffusion or active transport) in
order to pass through the tissue. This pathway provides tighter control over what
substances are allowed through.
Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc. Part III

For example: In the skin, they keep us somewhat watertight and help keep allergens
out of our body. In the digestive system, they help prevent the leakage of digestive
enzymes into our bloodstream

 They block the movement of integral membrane proteins between the apical and
basolateral surfaces of the cell. Thus the special functions of each surface, for
example

 receptor-mediated endocytosis at the apical surface

 exocytosis at the basolateral surfacecan be preserved.

 Tight junctions also serve as a structural support mechanism that helps keep the
epithelium together.

2. Gap Junctions: Gap junctions are also called communicating junctions, macula
communicans, or nexuses. These are connections that allow for the direct passage of
molecules between two cells. Gap junctions consist of a number of transmembrane
channels called pores that are found in a closely packed arrangement. The number of gap
junctions shared between two cells can vary as well.

Gap junctions are intercellular channels some 1.5–2 nm in diameter. These permit the free
passage between the cells of ions and small molecules (up to a molecular weight of about
1000 daltons).

Because ions can flow through them, gap junctions permit changes in membrane potential
to pass from cell to cell.

Fig: Gap junction

Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc. Part III

A gap junction channel is composed of two connexons, also known as hemichannels that
line up across the intercellular space. Most gap junction hemichannels are composed of a
complex of six connexin proteins, each characterized by four transmembrane domains. Six
connexin sub-units assemble to create one connexon, or hemichannel.

 For Example: The action potential in heart (cardiac) muscle flows from cell to cell
through the heart providing the rhythmic contraction of the heartbeat.
 At some so-called electrical synapses in the brain, gap junctions permit the arrival of
an action potential at the synaptic terminals to be transmitted across to the
postsynaptic cell without the delay needed for release of a neurotransmitter.
 As the time of birth approaches, gap junctions between the smooth muscle cells of
the uterus enable coordinated, powerful contractions to begin.

3. Anchoring junctions (Adherens Junctions): Anchoring/Adherens junctions are also

referred to as zonula adherens, intermediate junction, or as belt desmosomes. Zonula
means small zone or belt-like, and adherens refers to adhesion (sticking together). As a
result, the zonula adherens often runs like a belt around the entire cell in a continuous
fashion, and it acts as an adhesion belt.

Fig; Adherens Junction

Adherens junctions provide strong mechanical attachments between adjacent cells.

 They hold cardiac muscle cells tightly together as the heart expands and contracts.
 They hold epithelial cells together.
 They seem to be responsible for contact inhibition.
 Some adherens junctions are present in narrow bands connecting adjacent cells.
 Others are present in discrete patches holding the cells together.
Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc. Part III

Adherens junctions are built from:

 Cadherins: Cadherins, specialized adhesion proteins, are found on the membranes

of both cells and interact in the space between them, holding the membranes
together. Inside the cell, the cadherins attach to a structure called the cytoplasmic
plaque, which connects to the intermediate filaments and helps anchor the junction.

 catenins : Catenins are connected to actin filaments

The extracellular portions of the cadherin molecules of adjacent cells are bonded together
by calcium ions (or another protein in some cases). This means that the functional as well
as morphological integrity of the adherens junctions are calcium dependent. If we remove
calcium from the equation, this type of cell junction would disintegrate as a result.

Plasmodesmata: Plant cells, surrounded as they are by cell walls, don’t contact one
another through wide stretches of plasma membrane the way animal cells can. However,
they do have specialized junctions called plasmodesmata (singular, plasmodesma),
places where a hole is punched in the cell wall to allow direct cytoplasmic exchange
between two cells.

Plasmodesmata are lined with plasma membrane that is continuous with the membranes
of the two cells. Each plasmodesma has a thread of cytoplasm extending through it,
containing an even thinner thread of endoplasmic reticulum.
Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc. Part III

Fig: Plasmodesmata

Molecules below a certain size (the size exclusion limit) move freely through the
plasmodesmal channel by passive diffusion. The size exclusion limit varies among plants,
and even among cell types within a plant.

In summary: Animal cells communicate via their extracellular matrices and are connected
to each other via tight junctions, adherens, desmosomes, and gap junctions. When protein
receptors on the surface of the plasma membrane of an animal cell bind to a substance in
the extracellular matrix, a chain of reactions begins that changes activities taking place
within the cell. Plasmodesmata are channels between adjacent plant cells while gap
junctions are channels between adjacent animal cells. However their structures are quite
different. A tight junction is a watertight seal between two adjacent cells, while a
desmosome acts like a spot weld.

Fig: Cell junctions of animal cells

Paper V: Cell Biology B. Sc. Part III

Fig: Different type of animalcell junctions

By: Dr. Bibha Kumari, Department of Zoology, Magadh Mahila College, Patna University Patna. Email: bibhak136@gmail.com