Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Cell Adhesion The Key to Tissue Formation

Word Count Emoji
508 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

What's holding us together? 🔗

  • Cell-to-Cell Junctions! These are like the BFF bracelets that cells wear to connect with their neighbors. They're the reason our cells don’t just scatter around aimlessly.
  • What makes this friendship bracelet? Cell-adhesion molecules or CAMs! Every cell has these special molecules in their plasma membranes that help them "hold hands" with other cells.

Let's paint a picture of CAMs 🎨

Imagine a duck floating on a pond. The duck's body under the water is the part of the CAM buried in the cell membrane (phospholipid bilayer) and the head popping out is the part of the CAM facing the world outside (extracellular domain).

Lock & key - CAMs in action 🔐

  • Same-Same CAMs: Sometimes, cells have the same type of CAMs. This is like two pieces of the same puzzle fitting together. The result? A group of similar cells come together like a club of people who all love the same music!
  • Mix-Match CAMs: Other times, CAMs are different in two cells. Think of this as two different puzzle pieces that can still fit together. This is handy when we need various types of cells to form a more intricate design. It’s like putting together a band with different instruments!

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IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Cell Adhesion The Key to Tissue Formation

Word Count Emoji
508 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

What's holding us together? 🔗

  • Cell-to-Cell Junctions! These are like the BFF bracelets that cells wear to connect with their neighbors. They're the reason our cells don’t just scatter around aimlessly.
  • What makes this friendship bracelet? Cell-adhesion molecules or CAMs! Every cell has these special molecules in their plasma membranes that help them "hold hands" with other cells.

Let's paint a picture of CAMs 🎨

Imagine a duck floating on a pond. The duck's body under the water is the part of the CAM buried in the cell membrane (phospholipid bilayer) and the head popping out is the part of the CAM facing the world outside (extracellular domain).

Lock & key - CAMs in action 🔐

  • Same-Same CAMs: Sometimes, cells have the same type of CAMs. This is like two pieces of the same puzzle fitting together. The result? A group of similar cells come together like a club of people who all love the same music!
  • Mix-Match CAMs: Other times, CAMs are different in two cells. Think of this as two different puzzle pieces that can still fit together. This is handy when we need various types of cells to form a more intricate design. It’s like putting together a band with different instruments!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟