Cell Junctions and Intracellular Compartments

Flashcards covering the vocabulary related to cell junctions and intracellular compartments, including definitions of key terms.

Tight Junction

An impermeable junction that encircles the cell.

Desmosome

An anchoring junction scattered along the sides of cells.

Gap Junction

A nexus that allows chemical substances to pass between cells.

Peroxisomes

Membranous sacs containing oxidases and catalases that detoxify harmful or toxic substances.

Free Radicals

Highly reactive chemicals with unpaired electrons.

Lysosome

Spherical membranous bags containing digestive enzymes; responsible for digesting ingested bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Extracellular Matrix

A complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Actin

A protein that forms microfilaments and is part of the cytoskeleton.

Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs)

Proteins that anchor cells to the extracellular matrix and assist in cell movement.

Intracellular Compartments

Compartments within a cell, including the nuclear envelope, smooth and rough ER, lysosomes, vacuoles, and the Golgi apparatus.