Fill in the Blanks cell junctionsOnline version types of cell junctions, their structures, and their functions by Zainab Nabeel 1 are specialized structures that keep cells in close contact with each other and allow for the transport of materials or charge between them . They are composed by transmembrane proteins called . These proteins connect the of one cell to the cytoskeleton of another cell . We have three types of cadherins : , neuronal , and placental cadherins . The loss of cadherins can contribute to cancer because cells without cadherins are able to separate and go to places where they should not be . There are 3 types of cell junctions : , gap , and tight junctions . Adhering junctions are considered the main way to link cells together . We have two types of adhering junctions : junctions and desmosomes . Adherens junctions join the actin filaments of neighboring cells . Desmosomes are even stronger connections that join the filaments of neighboring cells together . Desmosomes are further divided into two types : macula adherens and hemidesmosomes . Unlike macula adherens , hemidesmosomes do not anchor one cell to another cell , they connect intermediate filaments of a cell to the lamina . Cells with gap junctions have a narrow intercellular space between them that is about 2 - 4 nm in diameter . Gap junctions are composed by a hexagonal array of proteins ( connexins ) in each cell membrane . The protein arrays of one cell align with the protein arrays of another , which results in hydrophilic channels that facilitate the exchange of materials and charge . Tight junctions are typically found in the intestine , , or bladder . In these junctions , the plasma membranes of two cells look as if they are stitched or fused together . These junctions completely seal off the intercellular space making it impermeable . Another name for tight junctions is zonula occludens . These junctions regulate the concentration of ions between the exterior and the space .
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