Which of the following cell junctions is primarily responsible for preventing the paracellular passage of water and solutes between epithelial cells?
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Correct answer: Zonula occludens
Zonula occludens, or tight junctions, form a belt-like seal around the apical perimeter of epithelial cells. They utilize proteins like claudins and occludins to fuse the outer leaflets of adjacent plasma membranes, effectively blocking the movement of substances through the intercellular space.
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