Cell modification refers to the structural changes that cells Lateral Modification

undergo after division, allowing them to perform specific

functions more efficiently. This process is crucial for the  Location: Found on the lateral (side) surfaces of
differentiation of cells into specialized types that fulfill epithelial cells.
various roles in multicellular organisms.
 Functions:
Types of Cell Modifications
 Tight Junctions: Create a barrier that
Cell modifications are categorized based on their location prevents the passage of molecules
on the cell surface: between cells, maintaining distinct
environments on either side of the
Apical Modification epithelium.

 Location: Found on the apical (top) surface of  Adhering Junctions: Anchor adjacent
epithelial cells. cells together, providing structural
integrity.
 Functions:
 Gap Junctions: Allow communication
 Microvilli: These are small, finger-like between adjacent cells by enabling the
projections that increase surface area transfer of small molecules and ions.
for absorption, commonly found in the
intestines and kidneys. Basal Modification
 Cilia: Hair-like structures that move in a  Location: Located on the basal (bottom) surface
coordinated manner to transport of epithelial cells, often attached to the
materials over the cell surface, such as basement membrane.
in the respiratory tract.
 Functions:
 Flagella: Longer than cilia, these
structures enable movement in some  Hemidesmosomes: Anchor epithelial
cells, like sperm. cells to the basement membrane,
providing stability and support.
 Pseudopods: Irregular extensions used
by amoebas for movement and  Basal Infoldings: Increase surface area
engulfing food. for transport processes, particularly in
tissues involved in absorption or
 secretion, such as in kidney tubules.

Summary of Functions and Locations

Type of Modification Location Key Structures Functions

Apical Top surface Microvilli, Cilia Absorption, movement of materials

Lateral Side surfaces Tight Junctions, Gap Junctions Cell adhesion and communication

Basal Bottom surface Hemidesmosomes Anchoring to basement membrane

Microvilli Structure: Small, finger-like projections.

Function: Increase surface area significantly for Structure: Long, whip-like structures also
enhanced absorption, particularly in the composed of microtubules.
intestines and renal tubules. They contain actin
Function: Enable motility in certain cells, such as
filaments that maintain their structure.
sperm cells, facilitating movement through fluid
environments.

Cilia

Structure: Hair-like projections made of

microtubules organized in a "9+2" arrangement. Pseudopods
Function: Beat in a coordinated fashion to move Structure: Temporary extensions of the cell
mucus and trapped particles out of the membrane.
respiratory tract or to propel fluids in other
Function: Allow for movement and phagocytosis
systems (e.g., oviducts).
(engulfing food particles) in amoeboid cells.

Flagella
Tight Junctions
Structure: Protein complexes that form a seal Gap Junctions
between adjacent cells.
Structure: Channels formed by connexin
Function: Prevent leakage of substances proteins allowing direct communication
between cells, maintaining distinct apical and between cells.
basal environments, crucial for barrier functions
Function: Enable the transfer of ions and small
in tissues like the intestinal epithelium.
molecules, facilitating coordinated responses
among neighboring cells, important in cardiac
and smooth muscle tissues.

Basal Modification

Adherens Junctions (Desmosomes) Location: The basal surface is attached to the

underlying basement membrane.
Structure: Protein structures that connect the
cytoskeletons of adjacent cells. Key Structures and Functions:

Function: Provide mechanical strength and Hemidesmosomes:

stability to tissues under stress, such as skin
Structure: Anchor proteins that connect the
epithelium.
basal surface of epithelial cells to the basement
membrane.

Function: Provide structural support and

stability to epithelial layers, preventing
detachment from underlying tissues.

Basal Infoldings:

Structure: Folds in the basal plasma membrane

that increase surface area.

Function: Enhance transport processes for ions

and nutrients, particularly in active transport
regions like kidney tubules.