Final answer:
Desmosomes are cell structures in animal cells that use cadherins to connect to intermediate filaments, forming strong links between epithelial cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
At desmosomes, cadherin molecules are connected to (b) intermediate filaments.
Desmosomes primarily function in animal cells and can be likened to spot welds that bind adjacent epithelial cells together strongly. These cellular structures play a crucial role in maintaining tissue integrity, particularly in organs and tissues that undergo stretching, such as the skin, heart, and muscles. The desmosomes are formed by cadherins, which are specific proteins within the plasma membrane.
These cadherins extend across the intercellular space to link the membranes of neighboring cells. On the inside of the cell, cadherins are anchored to protein plaques, which in turn are affixed to intermediate filaments made of proteins like keratin. As a result, this connection reinforces the cells' stability and resistance to mechanical stress.