Adherens junctions link together adjacent cells in an epithelial sheet through the lateral associations of numerous cadherin molecules. On their cytosolic surfaces these junctions are tied to the actin networks of the neighboring cells (see the figure), giving them the remarkable ability to sense mechanical stresses and generate biochemical signals that lead to an appropriate response. Each of the following statements accurately describes a property of this process of mechanotransduction EXCEPT: plasma membrane p120-catenin B-catenin a-catenin actin filaments cadherin vinculin CYTOSOL Choose one: ⒸA. Inhibition of myosin leads to a compensating increase in the size of an adherens junction. OB. Adherens junctions respond to mechanical stress by balancing the forces on adjacent cells. ⒸC. Adherens junctions sense tension and change behavior in response to mechanical stresses. OD. Artificially increased contractile stress in a cell increases the size of an adherens junction.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Adherens junctions link together adjacent cells in an epithelial sheet through the lateral associations of numerous cadherin molecules. On their cytosolic surfaces, these junctions are tied to the actin networks of the neighboring cells, giving them the remarkable ability to sense mechanical stresses and generate biochemical signals that lead to an appropriate response.

The diagram illustrates the structure of an adherens junction:

1. **Cadherin**: A molecule extending through the plasma membrane, represented in green.
2. **Cytosol**: The intracellular fluid where the junction components are located.
3. **Plasma Membrane**: Shown as a gray line that separates the extracellular environment from the cytosol.
4. **p120-catenin, β-catenin, α-catenin**: These molecules are shown in various colors (blue, yellow) and play a role in linking cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton.
5. **Vinculin**: Represented in blue, it assists in anchoring the actin filaments to the catenins.
6. **Actin Filaments**: Depicted in red, these structures interact with the proteins to maintain cell shape and transmit mechanical stress.

Each of the following statements accurately describes a property of this process of mechanotransduction EXCEPT:

Choose one:
- A. Inhibition of myosin leads to a compensating increase in the size of an adherens junction.
- B. Adherens junctions respond to mechanical stress by balancing the forces on adjacent cells.
- C. Adherens junctions sense tension and change behavior in response to mechanical stresses.
- D. Artificially increased contractile stress in a cell increases the size of an adherens junction.
Transcribed Image Text:Adherens junctions link together adjacent cells in an epithelial sheet through the lateral associations of numerous cadherin molecules. On their cytosolic surfaces, these junctions are tied to the actin networks of the neighboring cells, giving them the remarkable ability to sense mechanical stresses and generate biochemical signals that lead to an appropriate response. The diagram illustrates the structure of an adherens junction: 1. **Cadherin**: A molecule extending through the plasma membrane, represented in green. 2. **Cytosol**: The intracellular fluid where the junction components are located. 3. **Plasma Membrane**: Shown as a gray line that separates the extracellular environment from the cytosol. 4. **p120-catenin, β-catenin, α-catenin**: These molecules are shown in various colors (blue, yellow) and play a role in linking cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton. 5. **Vinculin**: Represented in blue, it assists in anchoring the actin filaments to the catenins. 6. **Actin Filaments**: Depicted in red, these structures interact with the proteins to maintain cell shape and transmit mechanical stress. Each of the following statements accurately describes a property of this process of mechanotransduction EXCEPT: Choose one: - A. Inhibition of myosin leads to a compensating increase in the size of an adherens junction. - B. Adherens junctions respond to mechanical stress by balancing the forces on adjacent cells. - C. Adherens junctions sense tension and change behavior in response to mechanical stresses. - D. Artificially increased contractile stress in a cell increases the size of an adherens junction.
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