If the tight junctions in the intestine were disrupted
A)intestinal cells could not attach to integral membrane proteins.
B)small molecules would not be able to move into cells lining the intestine.
C)small molecules would not be exchanged between neighboring intestinal cells.
D)intestinal cells could not attach to the extracellular matrix.
E)bacteria could move from the intestines to the bloodstream causing an infection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tight junctions play a critical role in regulating the passage of substances through the paracellular pathway between neighboring cells. If this barrier is disrupted, it could allow bacteria to move from the intestines to the bloodstream causing an infection. Therefore, the best choice is E. Choices A, B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the role of tight junctions in preventing the movement of bacteria.

If the Tight Junctions in the Intestine Were Disrupted