Final answer:
p120 catenin binds to adherens junctions, which are cell structures that facilitate cell-cell adhesion in tissues. Desmosomes and gap junctions serve other functions, such as providing mechanical strength and enabling cell-cell communication, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
p120 catenin binds to adherens junctions in cells. Adherens junctions are cell structures that function to maintain the integrity of tissues by facilitating cell-cell adhesion. They involve the interaction of cadherin proteins spanning the intercellular space to connect adjacent cell membranes. p120 catenin is a regulatory protein that associates with the intracellular domain of cadherins, contributing to the stability and regulation of the cadherin-catenin complex, which is crucial for the formation of adherens junctions.
Desmosomes, on the other hand, while similar, are formed by a different set of proteins and bind cells in a more spot-like manner, providing mechanical strength to tissues. The detailed descriptions of various cell junctions such as desmosomes, hemidesmosomes, and gap junctions highlight their unique functions, with gap junctions specifically enabling cell-cell communication through connexon channels, rather than providing adhesive properties.