Lateral Modifications

Group 8
What is Cell
Modification and its
purpose?

-Cell specialisation (or modification or differentiation) is actually a

process that occurs after cell division where the newly formed cells
are structurally modified so that they can perform their function
efficiently and effectively.
What is Lateral
Modification?

-Known as cell junctions

-Specialized structure that serves as intercellular connection
between two adjacent cells.
 Tight Junction
● Act as barriers that
regulate the movement
of water and solutes.
between epithelial
layers
● Prevent leakage of
ECF
Adhering Junctions
● Anchoring junction on the
lateral surface of the cell

● Very similar to the

anchoring junction of the
basal surface of the cell

● Fasten cells to one another

 Desmosomes
● Are dense cytoplasmic plaques
composed of a complex of
intracellular anchor proteins
such as plakoglobin and
desmoplakin that are
responsible for connecting
intermediate filaments such as
cytokeratins to transmembrane
adhesion proteins.
Gap Junctions
● Also known as communicating
junctions
● Closable channels that connect
the cytoplasm of adjoining
animal cells
● Presence of connexion that
allow direct exchange between
the cytoplasm of two cells
This concludes the
report of Group 8.

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