The Question is from neet-zoology structural-organisation-in-animals , and it was created by the author A SUBRAMANYAM

Question

Cadherins are transmembrane proteins crucial for cell adhesion in epithelial tissues. Which type of junction are they MOST directly associated with?

A SUBRAMANYAM · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Cell junctions and their components in epithelial tissues.
 **Related Topics**: Cell adhesion molecules, transmembrane proteins, epithelial tissue structure and function.
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of cell biology and the different types of cell junctions.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Cadherins are transmembrane proteins mediating cell adhesion in epithelial tissues.
  Four types of junctions are presented as options: tight junctions, gap junctions, desmosomes, and adherens junctions.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the function of cadherins: Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules that mediate cell-cell adhesion.
  Reasoning:  Their primary role is to connect cells together.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable.
 2. Consider the roles of different cell junctions: 
  Tight junctions: create a seal between cells, preventing leakage.
  Gap junctions: allow direct cell-to-cell communication via channels.
  Desmosomes: provide strong cell-cell adhesion, anchoring intermediate filaments.
  Adherens junctions: connect cells through cadherins, linking to the actin cytoskeleton.
  Working:  By comparing the functions, adherens junctions directly involve cadherins in their structure and function.
  Key Point:  The connection between cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton is a defining feature of adherens junctions.
 3. Determine the most direct association:
  Result: Adherens junctions are the cell junctions most directly associated with cadherins.
  Verification: The defining characteristic of adherens junctions is the presence of cadherins linking cells together.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Tight junctions primarily function to seal the space between cells, preventing leakage.  They are not directly involved with cadherins.
B :x: Gap junctions are channels that allow for intercellular communication, not directly associated with cadherin-mediated adhesion.
C :x: Desmosomes provide strong adhesion, but they use different transmembrane proteins (desmogleins and desmocollins) than cadherins, although both contribute to cell adhesion.
D ✓: Adherens junctions utilize cadherins to link cells together, directly connecting them to the actin cytoskeleton. This makes them the most directly associated junction type with cadherins.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the function of different cell junctions:  Understanding the unique role of each junction type is crucial.
  [How to avoid]: Carefully review the function of each junction (tight, gap, desmosomes, adherens).
  2.Focusing on the general concept of cell adhesion without considering the specific protein involved:
  [How to avoid]: Pay attention to the details of the question, noting which specific protein (cadherin) is mentioned.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key role of cadherins in cell-cell adhesion.
  2.Associate adherens junctions with the actin cytoskeleton and cadherins.

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Tight junctions

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Gap junctions

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Desmosomes

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

The correct Option is "Adherens junctions"

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