ADHERING JUNCTION Meaning and
Definition
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Adhering junction, also referred to as a junctional complex or zonula adherens, is a structural component found in animal cells that enables cell-to-cell adhesion. It is a type of cell junction that plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and stability of tissues.
Adhering junctions are composed of transmembrane proteins known as cadherins, which are responsible for adhering neighboring cells together. These cadherins are anchored to the cell membrane and are connected to the cytoskeleton inside the cell. The cadherins in adhering junctions form homophilic interactions, meaning they bind to the same type of cadherin on adjacent cells.
The main function of adhering junctions is to provide mechanical strength and support to tissues by distributing mechanical stress throughout the cell layer. They help to resist shearing forces that can potentially detach cells from each other. Adhering junctions are particularly abundant in tissues that experience mechanical stress, such as epithelial tissues in the skin or lining of organs.
In addition to their role in cell adhesion, adhering junctions also contribute to cell signaling and communication. They can mediate the transmission of chemical signals between neighboring cells, influencing cell behavior and function.
Overall, adhering junctions are crucial components of cell-cell adhesion and tissue integrity. They play a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues, promoting cell-to-cell communication, and influencing various cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for ADHERING JUNCTION
- zdhering junction
- sdhering junction
- wdhering junction
- qdhering junction
- ashering junction
- axhering junction
- achering junction
- afhering junction
- arhering junction
- aehering junction
- adgering junction
- adbering junction
- adnering junction
- adjering junction
- aduering junction
- adyering junction
- adhwring junction
- adhsring junction
- adhdring junction
- adhrring junction
Etymology of ADHERING JUNCTION
The word "adhering junction" has its origins in both Latin and English.
The term "adhere" comes from the Latin word "adhaerere", which means "to stick to" or "to cling". It is derived from the Latin prefix "ad", meaning "to" or "towards", and the verb "haerere", meaning "to stick" or "to attach".
The word "junction" comes from the Middle English word "junctioun", which is derived from the Latin word "iunctio", meaning "a joining" or "a uniting". It is derived from the Latin verb "iungere", meaning "to join" or "to connect".
Therefore, when combined, the term "adhering junction" refers to a specialized structure in biology where cells physically adhere or stick to each other, forming a connection or a joining.
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