Final answer:
Desmosomes are cell junctions that connect one epithelial cell to another. They are created by cadherins and provide structural support to tissues and organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Desmosomes are cell junctions in animal cells that act like spot welds between adjacent epithelial cells. They are responsible for connecting one epithelial cell to another and maintaining the cells in a sheet-like formation in organs and tissues that stretch, such as the skin, heart, and muscles.
Desmosomes are created by short proteins called cadherins in the plasma membrane. The cadherins connect to intermediate filaments, which provide structural support and strengthen the intercellular attachments. These connections are crucial for holding the cells together and giving tissues their strength.