2. Adherens Junctions
Adherens junctions contain plaque, a denselayer of proteins on the inside of the plasma membrane that attaches both to membrane proteins and to microfilaments of the cytoskeleton. Transmembrane glycoproteins called cadherins join the cells. Each cadherin inserts into the plaque from the opposite
side of the plasma membrane, partially crosses the intercellular space (the space between the cells), and connects to cadherins of an adjacent cell. In epithelial cells, adherens junctions often form extensive zones called adhesion belts because they encircle the cell similar to the way a belt encircles your waist. Adherens junctions help epithelial surfaces resist separation during various contractile
activities, as when food moves through the intestines.