Which of the following is false regarding cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)?

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a crucial role in mediating the adhesion between cells and are vital in various physiological processes, including tissue formation and immune responses. When considering the properties of CAMs, it is essential to understand their characteristics.

The statement that adhesions are relatively strong in comparison to cell junctions is misleading. While CAMs are important for initial cell-cell contacts and have a significant role in the adhesion process, the strength of these adhesions is not as robust as those formed by more permanent structures like tight junctions or desmosomes. Cell junctions such as adherens junctions and tight junctions involve multi-protein complexes that provide stronger and more stable adhesion, anchoring cells together within tissues more effectively than the transient interactions often formed by CAMs.

In contrast, the other attributes of CAMs are accurate: they do consist of molecules that span cell membranes and facilitate cell-to-cell interactions. Adhesions typically form quickly, allowing for dynamic responses to cellular environments. Moreover, CAMs exhibit selectivity, meaning they can recognize specific cell types and mediate adhesion based on that recognition, which is critical for tissue organization and immune responses.

By understanding these nuances, it becomes clear why the comparison of adhesion strength between CAMs and