Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between adherens junctions and tight junctions in epithelial cells?
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Correct answer: Adherens junctions give actin-based adhesion; tight junctions seal against paracellular passage.
Adherens junctions provide mechanical adhesion between cells via actin-cytoskeleton linking, while tight junctions act as occluding junctions that seal adjacent cell membranes to prevent paracellular flow.
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