BMS 250 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Mitosis, Cell Membrane, Dendritic Cell
Document Summary
Stratum basale: keratinocytes: are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis and are found throughout all epidermal strata. The stratum basale is dominated by large keratinocyte stem cells, which divide to generate new cells that replace dead keratinocytes shed from the surface. The name is derived from their synthesis of keratin, a protein that strengthens the epidermis considerably. Keratin is a family of fibrous structural proteins that are both tough and insoluble. Fibrous keratin molecules can twist and intertwine around each other to form helical intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton. The keratins found in epidermal cells of the skin are called cytokeratins. Their structure in these cells give skin its strength and makes the epidermis almost waterproof: melanocytes: have long, branching processes and are scattered among the keratinocytes of the stratum basale. They produce and store the pigment melanin in response to ultraviolet light exposure.
