Which of the following would be most affected by a mutation that prevented cells from forming tight junctions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tight junctions are responsible for creating a barrier between cells to prevent substances from passing through the spaces between cells. In the inner lining of the digestive tract, tight junctions prevent harmful substances from passing from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. If cells were unable to form proper tight junctions, this barrier would be compromised, leading to health issues. A mutation preventing cells from forming tight junctions would not significantly affect the attachment of cells to the surrounding matrix or the attachment of the cytoskeleton to the inside of the plasma membrane. It would also not directly affect the flow of water and small molecules from one cell to another, as this is primarily regulated by gap junctions.

Which of the Following Would Be Most Affected by a Mutation