Desmosome

A desmosome is a cell structure for cell-to-cell adhesion. They are localized spot-like adhesions on the outer sides of plasma membranes.[1]

Diagram of desmosome adhesion

Desmosomes help to keep cells together in a sheet. They are found in epithelial tissue, like multilayer squamous epithelium. The intercellular space is relatively wide up to about 30 nm.[2]

References
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  1. R. Rieger; A. Michaelis & Green M.M. 1976 Glossary of genetics and cytogenetics: classical and molecular. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag, p. 150.
  2. Bruce Alberts et al 2002. Molecular biology of the cell. 4th ed, New York: Garland Science.
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