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Schematic of cell adhesion. Cell adhesion is the process by which cells interact and attach to neighbouring cells through specialised molecules of the cell surface. This process can occur either through direct contact between cell surfaces such as cell junctions or indirect interaction, where cells attach to surrounding extracellular matrix, a gel-like structure containing molecules released ...
In essence, CAMs help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. CAMs are crucial components in maintaining tissue structure and function. In fully developed animals, these molecules play an integral role in generating force and movement and consequently ensuring that organs are able to execute their functions normally. [ 3 ]
Adherent cell cultures are a type of cell culture that requires cells to be attached to a surface in order for growth to occur. [1] Most vertebrate-derived cells (with the exception of hematopoietic cells ) are anchorage dependent and require a two-dimensional monolayer to facilitate cell adhesion, spreading and replication. [ 2 ]
Adherent cells require a surface, such as tissue culture plastic or microcarrier, which may be coated with extracellular matrix (such as collagen and laminin) components to increase adhesion properties and provide other signals needed for growth and differentiation. Most cells derived from solid tissues are adherent.
As the cell progresses along its chosen path, a given focal adhesion moves closer and closer to the trailing edge of the cell. At the trailing edge of the cell the focal adhesion must be dissolved. The mechanism of this is poorly understood and is probably instigated by a variety of different methods depending on the circumstances of the cell.
For adherent cells, cell density is normally measured in terms of confluency, the percentage of the growth surface covered by cells. The cells will often have a known range of confluencies for optimal growth, for example a mammalian cell line like HeLa generally prefers confluencies between 10% and 100%, and subculture will normally try to keep ...
[2] [3] These adherent cells become embedded within a slimy extracellular matrix that is composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The cells within the biofilm produce the EPS components, which are typically a polymeric combination of extracellular polysaccharides , proteins , lipids and DNA .
A desmosome (/ ˈ d ɛ z m ə ˌ s oʊ m /; [1] [2] "binding body"), also known as a macula adherens (plural: maculae adherentes) (Latin for adhering spot), is a cell structure specialized for cell-to-cell adhesion. A type of junctional complex, they are localized spot-like adhesions randomly arranged on the lateral sides of plasma membranes.