What are desmosomes?

All cells have an outer plasma membrane which allows the
passage of selected molecules and ions from either inside the cell to the outside or
from outside the cell to inside it.

Cells that are
separated from each by a distance but which need to stay in place can be linked by
structures known as desmosomes. The desmosomes are formed when protein accumulates at
the cytoplasmic surface of separate cells and links together. This allows the adjacent
cells to stay together even if the tissue is being stretched. An example of this is the
skin.

Desmosomes do not form a means for transfer of ions
or molecules from one cell to another. They only hold the cells in place so that tissue
is not ruptured when it is stretched.