Desmosome are

Options

A. Specialised thickened areas that facilitate cell adhesion
B. Site for storage of lecithin and pigment
C. Reservoir for peroxidases and catalases
D. Found in E. coli and Streptococcus.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Desmosomes**: Desmosomes are specialized structures in cells that facilitate adhesion between neighboring cells. They are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues.

2. **Origin of the Term**: The term "desmosome" was coined by Joseph Shefford in 1920. The word is derived from Greek, where "desmo" means bond and "soma" means body.

3. **Function of Desmosomes**: Desmosomes serve as adhesive protein complexes that localize at intercellular junctions. They play a vital role in providing mechanical strength to tissues by anchoring cells together.

4. **Location and Structure**: Desmosomes are typically found on the lateral sides of the plasma membrane and are characterized by their thickened areas. They are not uniformly distributed but are arranged in localized spots.

5. **Importance in Tissues**: Desmosomes are particularly important in tissues that experience significant mechanical stress, such as cardiac and epithelial tissues, as they help resist shear forces.