Final answer:
Wavy contours of the membranes of adjacent cells do not bind cells together, while glycoproteins, glycolipids in the glycocalyx, and special membrane junctions do contribute to cell adhesion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that does not bind cells together is the wavy contours of the membranes of adjacent cells. Cells are indeed bound together by glycoproteins and glycolipids in the glycocalyx, which is a collection of carbohydrate molecules attached to proteins and lipids on the cell's exterior surface. These components play crucial roles in cell identity, recognition, and adhesion. In addition, special membrane junctions like tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions are integral to cell-to-cell adhesion and communication. However, wavy contours of the membrane are more related to the shape and fit between cells than a biochemical adhesion property. The correct answer is the wavy contours of the membranes of adjacent cells.
Glycoproteins in the glycocalyx, glycolipids in the glycocalyx, and special membrane junctions are all factors that bind cells together. Glycoproteins and glycolipids are proteins and lipids with carbohydrate molecules attached that extend into the extracellular matrix. These carbohydrate tags on glycoproteins and glycolipids aid in cell recognition and play a role in cell-cell attachments. The wavy contours of the membranes of adjacent cells, on the other hand, do not directly contribute to cell binding. Instead, they allow for flexibility and movement between cells.