Cell adhesion, both cell-cell and cell-ECM, can influence whether a cell will proceed through cell division or die by apoptosis. Compare/contrast the influence on cell survival and cell division between cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion. What signal in behavior is an integrin sending to a cell when the integrin is binding its ligand? Explain your answer. What signal in behavior is a cadherin sending to a cell when the cadherin is binding to its ligand? Explain your answer. Compare and contrast how normal cells and cancer cells interpret cell adhesion (either cell-cell and cell-ECM) to a change in cell behavior. Solution Answer B Integrins and cadherins are adhesive molecules that are also called as cell adhesion molecules or CAM. Cell matrix adhesion is brought over by integrins. Integrins are the receptors that bring about ECM adhesion. Integrins activate signal transduction pathways, once they are activated by ligand binding. These signal transduction pathways mediate cell signals for cell cycle regulations, intracellular cytoskeleton organisation and new receptor movements to the cell membranes. AnswerC Integrins and cadherins are adhesive molecules that are also called as cell adhesion molecules or CAM. Junction adherin and cell cell interactions are generally carried out by cadherins. The cadherins release a beta catenin that plays a role in cell cell adhesion and carries out cadherins mediated cell division at the plasma membrane. Their name cadherin comes from their dependency on Ca2+ ions required to function. There are different classes of cadherins. It is generally seen that that cells containing a specific cadherin subtype tend to cluster together to the exclusion of other types, both in cell culture and during development. When E cadherin is expressed there is a release signal for the epithelial cadherin, followed by the expression of N cadherin which is present for neural development. When the N cadherin is expressed E cadherin is reduced , finally when there is development of notochord and so mites, E-P and N , cadherins are expressed. Answer D In cancer cells , many of the stem cells show loosened attachment and higher motility. This is generally seen in the cases where the cancer is highly invasive or malignant, affecting more than one part of the body. The molecular adhesion fingerprint is altered in cases where the tumour calls show high mobility showing a high need to dissociate. Note- could not answer the first part due to lack of appropriate descriptive evidences. Thank you..