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Epithelial cells line body cavities and, in organs like the intestine, separate the extracellular environment (intestinal lumen) from the body. The barrier function of epithelial tissues is important for maintaining homeostasis and preventing infections from gut-associated microbiota and viruses. Some bacteria and viruses compromise this barrier function, aiding their pathogenesis. Which of the following structures, most critical to the barrier function of epithelial tissue, is targeted by these infectious agents?
A. gap junctions
B. desmosomes
C. tight junctions
D. hemidesmosomes

Respuesta :

Answer:

Tight junctions

Explanation:

Tight junctions are responsible for sealing epithelial cells that are adjacent to each others, hence creating a barrier between the two adjacent cells.  They help in maintaining homeostasis, by limiting the entry or passage of ions and molecules within the space found between the epithelial cells. They also responsible for maintaining the cell polarity.

We can also refer to these tight junctions as an epithelial fence. These tight junctions play an important role in restricting the penetration of micro organisms like viruses and gut-associated microbiota into deeper tissues. However, some microbes have been able to devise strategies to invade the  tight junctions. They alter or destroy the structure and function of the tight junctions which enable penetration and aiding pathogenesis. Most of these pathogen or microbes make use of the proteins of the tight junctions as receptors to enable their attachment and furthermore facilitate their internalization.

For cell-cell communication junction like arrangements are present in the cell conformity. Epithelial cells of our body also consist of this sort of junction that is chargeable for regulating cellular activity.

The correct answer is:

Option C. Tight junctions.

This can be explained by:

  • The adjacent epithelial cells are sealed via tight junctions so that a check is formed between the two cells.

  • They restrict the entrance of ions and molecules and hence control homeostasis and cell polarity.

  • They also help in restricting the approach of pathogens and other microorganisms.

  • Some of the pathogens penetrate these tight junctions by modifying the composition and functions of this junction.

  • Some kind of pathogens uses the proteins to connect to the surface receptors of tight junction and hence attack them.

Therefore, the tight junctions are mostly targeted by pathogens.

To learn more about the type of cell communication follow the link:

https://brainly.com/question/1965731