A desmosome is best described as which of the following?

• A. A junction that seals the space between cells
• B. A junction that forms a channel for ions
• C. A macula adherens that provides strong adhesion between cells
• D. A junction that directly connects cytoskeletons with tight sealing

Answer: (C)

Desmosomes act as strong mechanical anchors between neighboring cells. They are macula adherens structures that attach the intermediate filament networks of adjacent cells to each other via specific cadherin proteins and intracellular plaque proteins, creating a robust glue that resists pulling and shear forces. This is why they’re described as providing strong adhesion between cells.

They don’t seal the space between cells like tight junctions do, nor do they form channels to allow ion flow between cells like gap junctions. They also don’t connect the cytoskeletons of a cell to the basement membrane—that role is played by hemidesmosomes.