Question

Discuss the cell membrane complex of cuticle cells and contrast it to the stratum corneum cell envelope

Answer 1

--Cell membrane complex of cuticle cells:-

It is present between the cells

Made uo of polysacchrudes and lipids

Contains an important lipid 18-MEA

doesn't provide any toughness to the cuticle

Its function are

Acts as a cement between cuticle cells to hold them together

Transfer of actives between cuticle to cortex

--Stratum corneum cell envelope:-

The cornified cell envelope (CE), formed by transglutaminase mediated ε-(γ-glutamyl)lysine cross-linking of specialised proteins is the most insoluble component of the terminally differentiated keratinocyte. Under normal Nomarski optics two types of CE are readily distinguishable: an irregularly shaped, readily deformed "fragile" envelope (CEf) which predominates in the deepest layers of the skin, and a polygonal "resilient" or "rigid" envelope (CEr) which represents over 80% of the CE population in the superficial layers. This distinct spatial distribution indicates a maturation of the CE from the fragile to the resilient morphology during stratum corneum maturation. In this study we have examined morphological and physical changes occurring in the CE during terminal differentiation.