Question

Two animal cells are interconnected by
A. Plasmodesmata
B. Cell Wall
C. Desmosomes
D. Plasma membrane

Answer 1

Hint:
Before we can move on to the problem, we must first understand the various types of animal cell junctions.
Three types of junctions allow communication between animal cells. A tight junction is a watertight seal formed by two adjacent animal cells. The cells are held together by proteins known as claudins and occluding. Desmosomes are the cell type’s second type of intercellular junction. Gap junctions are the third type of direct junction found in animal cells. These junctions are channels that allow the transport of ions, nutrients, and other substances that allow cells to communicate.

Complete step by step answer:
Desmosomes, which are only found in animal cells and function as spot welds between adjacent epithelial cells, connect two animal cells. Desmosomes are formed when short proteins called cadherins in the plasma membrane connect to intermediate filaments. Cadherins connect two adjacent cells and keep them in a sheet-like formation in organs and tissues that stretch, such as the skin, heart, and muscles.
Desmosomes are highly specialized membrane domains that mediate cell-cell contact and strong adhesion. Adhesive interactions at the desmosome are linked to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. Desmosomes mechanically integrate cells within tissues and function to resist mechanical stress by mediating both cell-cell adhesion and cytoskeletal linkages.
As a result, desmosomes connect two animal cells.

Option ‘C’ is correct

Note:
The overall adhesive function of the desmosome is dependent on intermediate filament tethering to the desmosomal plaque and the integrated functions of adhesion and cytoskeletal elements. Therefore, desmosomes are modular structures made of adhesion molecules that bind cells, cytoskeletal cables that distribute stresses, and connecting molecules at the desmosome's cytoplasmic plaque that transfer the mechanical load to the cytoskeleton. Human diseases caused by mutations in desmosomal genes, autoantibody attacks on desmosomal cadherins, and bacterial toxins that selectively target desmosomal cadherins highlight the importance of desmosomes in tissue integrity.