Question

Make use of a neat, annotated schematic representation to discuss the structure and function of demosomes. (9 marks )

Answer 1

Desmosomes is intercellular adhesive junctions at basolateral membranes.

Structure: they are mainly comprised of 3 major components:

-desmosome-intermediate filament complexes: cadherin proteins, linker proteins and keratin

-the extracellular core region  contains desmoglein and desmocollin

-the outer and inner dense plaques

Function:They provide strong adhesion between cells and give mechanical strength to tissues.