Question

Which of the following would result from a mutation that disrupts the formation of hemidesmosomes?

1. An increased risk of bacterial infection due to increased basal lamina permeability.

2. Disrupted formation of epithelial sheets due to an absence of desmosomes.

3. Embryonic lethality due to disruption of tight junctions.

4. Decreased epidermal integrity due to disrupted contact with intermediate

   filaments.

Desmosomes connect the _______________ of two cells together. Because they connect this component of the cytoskeleton, desmosomes play a role in resisting _______________ on the epithelium.

Answer 1

The correct answer is "An increased risk of bacterial infection due to increased basal lamina permeability" due to several mutations in genes which encodes for hemidesmosomes and most often due to mutation in collagen 7 gene (very important gene for the integrity of the cell. Rest of the options are less relevant in this situation.

Desmosomes connect the intermediate filaments (which is responsible for strong adhesion between cells) of the two cells together. Major role in resisting the mechanical shock (stress) due to variable factors on the epithelium, as also act as a component of the cytoskeleton of the cells.