Which of the following is not classified as a type of cell junction?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
The correct answer is Centrioles.
- Cell junctions are specialized structures that connect adjacent cells, allowing them to communicate and adhere to one another effectively.
- The commonly recognized types of cell junctions include:
- Gap Junctions: These are channels that allow for direct communication between neighboring cells by permitting the passage of ions and small molecules.
- Desmosomes: These provide strong adhesion between cells, particularly in tissues subject to mechanical stress, like the skin and heart.
- Tight Junctions: These junctions create a seal between adjacent cells, preventing the passage of molecules and ions through the space between cells, thus maintaining cell polarity.
On the other hand, Centrioles are not a type of cell junction. Centrioles are cylindrical organelles involved in the organization of the mitotic spindle during cell division. They are part of the cell's cytoskeleton and play a crucial role in cell cycle progression but do not function in cell-to-cell adhesion or communication.
Therefore, centrioles do not classify as a cell junction.
Reference: Essential Cell Biology, Fourth Edition, Chapter 16: The Cytoskeleton and Cell Junctions