Final answer:
A cluster of intracellular linker proteins associated with a junction is called a plaque. These plaques, present in desmosomes, connect cadherins to intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton, providing structural support to tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cluster of intracellular linker proteins associated with a junction is called a plaque. These plaques are important components of cellular structures such as desmosomes, which are also known as adherents junctions. They help in mechanically attaching cells to each other or to the basement membrane. Within these plaques, transmembrane cadherins attach to intermediate filaments in the cell, which are part of the cytoskeleton network, enhancing the overall structural integrity of the tissue.
Desmosomes can be of two types: belt desmosomes (zonula adherents), which encircle cells, and spot desmosomes (macula adherents), which attach cells at particular points. Desmosomes are linked through cadherins to the intracellular plaques, and these in turn are connected to intermediate filaments like keratin. This strong linkage is vital for the strength of tissues. Gap junctions, on the other hand, involve connexons that enable intercellular communication rather than providing mechanical strength.