Differentiations of cell membrane

Question

Write down the differentiations of cell membrane.

Answer 1

In some types of the cells, the cell membrane presents differentiations which are essential for the particular functions of cells. The most important differentiations are microvilli and structures for reinforcement of the adhesion or union between cells (or cell junctions).

Microvilli are multiple external projections of membrane similar to glove fingers. This differentiation is found in the cells of the tissues where it is beneficial to raise the size of the surface area in contact with exterior, for instance, in enteric (or intestinal) epithelium for absorption of nutrients.

Membrane differentiations for the reinforcement of the adhesion between cells take place mainly in the epithelial tissues where the need for impermeability and coverage requires cells to be ‘glued’ to neighboring cells. These differentiations can be desmosomes, interdigitations, tight junctions (zonula occludens), gap junctions and zonula adherens (adherens junctions).