Which of the following adhesion molecules is involved in morphogenesis
**Core Concept**
Morphogenesis is the biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape. It involves the coordinated action of various cellular and molecular mechanisms, including adhesion molecules, to guide cell movement and tissue organization. Cadherins, a family of cell adhesion molecules, play a crucial role in morphogenesis by mediating cell-cell interactions and regulating cell behavior.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct adhesion molecule involved in morphogenesis is Cadherin-6 (CDH6). Cadherin-6 is a type of classical cadherin that is expressed in the epithelial cells of the developing embryo. It is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, cell migration, and tissue morphogenesis. Cadherin-6 interacts with the cytoskeleton and signaling pathways to modulate cell behavior and tissue organization during development.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** N-Cadherin is involved in neural development and synapse formation, but it is not the primary adhesion molecule involved in morphogenesis.
* **Option B:** Selectin is a type of adhesion molecule involved in leukocyte recruitment and migration, but it is not directly involved in morphogenesis.
* **Option D:** Integrin is a transmembrane receptor involved in cell-extracellular matrix interactions, but it is not the primary adhesion molecule involved in morphogenesis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that cadherins play a crucial role in maintaining tissue architecture and regulating cell behavior during development and tissue repair. Disruption of cadherin function has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders.
**Correct Answer: C. Cadherin-6**