The big idea: Cells in a tissue stick together because proteins in their membranes, cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs), bind to each other.
The points to remember
- CAMs are proteins in the plasma membrane, usually passing right through it.
- A CAM on one cell binds to a CAM on the neighbouring cell.
- Many CAMs together hold cells in place, forming tissues.
- Different forms of CAM make different types of cell-cell junction.
Remember it as: CAMs: molecular hand-holding between cells.
Real example: blistering disease: In pemphigus, the immune system attacks a CAM that holds skin cells together. The cells come apart and painful blisters form.
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How it is asked: Expect a short Outline of how cells stick together, using the term cell-adhesion molecules, or a Paper 1A item on what CAMs do.
IB-style questionOutline[2 marks]
Outline how cells in the lining of the gut are held together to form a tissue.
Model answer plan
See the answer broken into clear points, with guidance on how each point earns marks.