What is the function of adherens junctions and which cytoskeletal component do they link to?

• A. Cadherin-based junctions linking to actin cytoskeleton; help maintain tissue architecture and coordinate remodeling.
• B. Link cells to basement membrane; connect to intermediate filaments.
• C. Gap junctions mediate intercellular communication; connect to microtubules.
• D. Desmosomes anchor to intermediate filaments and provide mechanical strength.

Answer: (A)

Adherens junctions are cell–cell adhesion structures built from cadherin molecules that bind neighboring cells in a calcium-dependent manner. Intracellularly, the cadherin tail connects to catenins, which link to the actin cytoskeleton through proteins like alpha-catenin. This setup allows a cohesive epithelial sheet to maintain structure while still remodeling as tissues grow or heal, because the actin-linked junctions can transmit contractile forces and reorganize with controlled dynamics. The function, therefore, is to mediate strong cell–cell adhesion and coordinate tissue organization through connection to the actin network. Other options describe different junctions: linking to basement membrane involves hemidesmosomes and intermediate filaments; gap junctions enable intercellular communication and are not primarily about cytoskeletal linkage; desmosomes attach to intermediate filaments for mechanical strength.