Animal Cell Characteristics

Between animal cells is a matrix or meshwork that holds animal cells and tissues together and influences how the cells will divide and metabolize.

Cartilage consists of cells and proteins (collagen and elastin) scattered in a ground substance which is modified polysaccharides.

Cell-to-Cell Junctions: At tissue surfaces, cells link together to form a barrier between the interior and exterior. Three types of cell-to-cell junctions are common:

  1. Tight junctions which link cells of epithelial tissues to form seals.
  2. Adhering junctions which are like spot welds in tissues subject to stretching.
  3. Gap junctions which link the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. They form communication channels.

This animation (Audio - Important) describes cell to cell junctions.

This animation (Audio - Important) compares the structure of animal and plant cells.

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