Multiple Choice
Which type of cell junction is primarily responsible for preventing the passage of molecules between adjacent animal cells?
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5. Cell Components
Cell Junctions
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Which of the following statements about cadherins is TRUE?
A
Cadherins are calcium-dependent adhesion molecules that mediate cell-cell adhesion in animal tissues.
B
Cadherins primarily facilitate cell-matrix adhesion rather than cell-cell adhesion.
C
Cadherins function independently of calcium ions.
D
Cadherins are found exclusively in plant cells.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of cadherins. Cadherins are a class of cell adhesion molecules that are critical for maintaining cell-cell adhesion in animal tissues. They are transmembrane proteins that help cells stick to each other within a tissue.
Step 2: Recognize the calcium dependency of cadherins. The function of cadherins is calcium-dependent, meaning they require calcium ions (Ca²⁺) to maintain their structure and adhesive properties. Without calcium, cadherins lose their adhesive function.
Step 3: Differentiate between cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Cadherins are specifically involved in cell-cell adhesion, not cell-matrix adhesion. Cell-matrix adhesion is mediated by other molecules, such as integrins.
Step 4: Identify the types of organisms where cadherins are found. Cadherins are found in animal cells and are not present in plant cells. Plant cells use other mechanisms, such as plasmodesmata, for cell-cell communication and adhesion.
Step 5: Evaluate the given statements. Based on the above information, the true statement is: 'Cadherins are calcium-dependent adhesion molecules that mediate cell-cell adhesion in animal tissues.' The other statements are incorrect because they either misrepresent the function of cadherins or their presence in organisms.
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