Final answer:
Hemidesmosomes and desmosomes are cell junctions found in animal tissues. Desmosomes create tight bonds between cells, while hemidesmosomes link cells to the extracellular matrix. They provide strength, stability, and anchorage to tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemidesmosomes and desmosomes are both types of cell junctions found in animal tissues.
Desmosomes are intercellular 'rivets' that create tight bonds between cells, but allow fluids to pass through intracellular spaces. They act like spot welds and are especially important in holding cells together, providing strength and stability to tissues. Cadherins, short proteins in the plasma membrane, connect adjacent cells by linking with cadherin molecules on other cells.
Hemidesmosomes, on the other hand, link cells to the extracellular matrix, such as the basal lamina. They look like half a desmosome and use adhesion proteins called integrins instead of cadherins. Hemidesmosomes provide attachment and anchorage to epithelial cells, helping to maintain the integrity of tissues.