If a toxin disrupts claudin and occludin interactions in the epithelium, which consequence is most likely?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Increased paracellular permeability and barrier failure
Claudin and occludin are core components of tight junctions; disruption leads to failure of the occluding seal, increasing paracellular permeability and compromising the barrier function of the epithelium.
Keep practicing
More Cell-cell junctions questions
- Which junctional complex is most likely to facilitate the synchronized contraction of cardiac muscle cells by allowing rapid spread of ions…
- The 'terminal bar' observed under light microscopy at the apical end of epithelial cells most closely corresponds to which of the following…
- Which family of proteins mediates calcium-dependent adhesion at adherens junctions and desmosomes?
- Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between adherens junctions and tight junctions in epithelial cells?
- Which type of junction would be most compromised in a disease that weakens intermediate filament linkage between epithelial cells, potentia…
- Which cell–cell junction type can be dynamically regulated (opened or closed) to modulate intercellular communication between neighboring c…