AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gap junctions in animal cells are like plasmodesmata in plant cells in that they are channels between adjacent cells that allow for the transport of ions, nutrients, and other substances that enable cells to communicate ([link]). Structurally, however, gap junctions and plasmodesmata differ.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gap junctions are not in plant cells. Gap junctions are in animal cells and are particularly important in the vertebrate heart. Plasmodesmata, another type of cell junction, perform a similar function in plant cells. Both gap junctions and plasmodesmata allow for direct communication between two cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -Communicating (gap) junctions Communicating junctions, or gap junctions allow for direct chemical communication between adjacent cellular cytoplasm through diffusion without contact with the extracellular fluid.

Detailed explanation-4: -Gap junctions are involved in cellular communication-not just in epithelial tissue, but in other tissue types as well. Gap junctions are specialized connections that form a narrow pore between adjacent cells. These pores permit small molecules and ions to move from one cell to another.