AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Functionally, gap junctions in animal cells are a lot like plasmodesmata in plant cells: they are channels between neighboring cells that allow for the transport of ions, water, and other substances 3.

Detailed explanation-2: -Unlike in gap junctions, in a plasmodesma the plasma membrane of one cell is continuous with the plasma membrane of the other, forming a narrow passageway between them. The cytoplasm of both cells is thus connected and small molecules can pass from one cell to the other.

Detailed explanation-3: -Plasmodesmata are the plant structures that are analogous to gap junctions in animal cells. Plasmodesmata are protein channels between the cell walls of plant cells. They facilitate communication and the transport of solutes and small proteins between plant cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lastly, similar to plasmodesmata in plant cells, gap junctions are the third type of direct junction found within animal cells. These junctions are channels between adjacent cells that allow for the transport of ions, nutrients, and other substances that enable cells to communicate.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.