In: Biology
Discuss the cell membrane complex of cuticle cells and contrast it to the stratum corneum cell envelope
--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.