[Campbell Biology P.169] Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary ... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary function of tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions, respectively?

  • A: Tight junctions: cytoplasmic channels; Desmosomes: fluid barrier; Gap junctions: cell adhesion.
  • B: Tight junctions: fluid barrier; Desmosomes: strong cell adhesion; Gap junctions: direct cytoplasmic communication.
  • C: Tight junctions: direct cytoplasmic communication; Desmosomes: fluid barrier; Gap junctions: strong cell adhesion.
  • D: Tight junctions: strong cell adhesion; Desmosomes: direct cytoplasmic communication; Gap junctions: fluid barrier.

Explanation

According to the text, tight junctions 'establish a barrier that prevents leakage of extracellular fluid', desmosomes 'function like rivets, fastening cells together into strong sheets', and gap junctions 'provide cytoplasmic channels from one cell to an adjacent cell'.