Interactions Between Cells and Their Environment

Tight junctions

Specialized contacts between epithelial cells that seal the extracellular space and serve as a barrier to the diffusion of water and solutes.

Golgi complex

Stack of flattened cisternae that modifies and sorts proteins, ensuring they are delivered to the correct destination.

Repair

Stimulate tissue at a cellular or molecular level to repair itself.

Glycocalyx

Carbohydrate-rich layer at the cell surface formed from carbohydrate projections from the plasma membrane.

Adherens junctions

Cell-cell adhesion sites that anchor cells together using calcium-dependent cadherin linkages.

Replace

Create a biological substitute in the lab to replace damaged tissue or organs.

Fibronectin

Dimeric protein that binds components of the extracellular matrix and cells together, playing a role in cell adhesion, movement, and differentiation.

Desmosomes

Disk-shaped adhesive junctions between cells that link the two cells across a narrow gap using specialized cadherins and are anchored by intracellular intermediate filament networks.

Tissue engineering

Field that designs products to improve tissue function or heal tissue defects by replacing or repairing damaged tissue.

Integrins

Heterodimeric membrane proteins that integrate extracellular signals into the intracellular environment, mediating cell adhesion and signal transduction.

Regenerate

Identify cues for regeneration without scarring, such as regrowing a new limb.

Epithelial tissues

Line cavities and surfaces of organs and tissues, involved in secretion, absorption, transport, and sensation.

Collagen

Most abundant protein in humans, providing structural support and scaffolding.

Endomembrane system

Network of organelles, including the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, endosomes, lysosomes, vacuoles, and cell membrane, involved in the coordinated transport of materials within the cell.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle composed of a network of flattened sacs that is involved in protein synthesis, modification, and export.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, detoxification, and sequestration of calcium ions.

Extracellular matrix

Organized network beyond the plasma membrane that plays a regulatory role in determining cell shape and activities.

N-glycosylation

Process in which carbohydrates are added to proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, assisting in protein folding and function.

Membrane biosynthesis

Process in which membranes are synthesized from preexisting membranes, with lipids and proteins being synthesized into existing membranes.

Proteoglycans

Protein-polysaccharide complexes that form hydrated gels and provide support to the extracellular matrix.

Basement membrane

Sheet that surrounds nerve fibers, muscles, and fat cells, providing a barrier and serving as a substratum for cell migration.

Gap junctions

Supramolecular channels between animal cells that allow rapid communication and integration of activities between neighboring cells.

Muscle tissue

Tissue composed of elongated, cylindrical, and striated muscle fibers.

Nerve tissue

Tissue composed of neurons and their prolongations.

Connective tissue

Tissue that connects or supports other tissues and has few cells embedded in a fibrous matrix.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that lines surfaces and forms stratified layers.

Cartilage tissue

Type of connective tissue that forms part of the skeleton and provides support to the soft parts of the body.

Bone tissue

Type of connective tissue that provides support to the organism and protects vital organs.

Adipose tissue

Type of connective tissue used for energy storage and thermal and physical insulation.

Blood tissue

Type of connective tissue with many functions, including oxygen delivery and immune function.

Scaffolds

Various textures and materials that encourage cell growth and allow nutrient permeation.