GENERAL HISTOLOGY

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: -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 (Figure 4.6. 5).

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: -Each plasmodesma is a channel between two plant cells that passes through the cell wall. 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.

Detailed explanation-5: -A gap junction is a protein-lined pore that allows water and small molecules to pass between adjacent animal cells. Gap junctions develop when a set of six proteins (called connexins) in the plasma membrane arrange themselves in an elongated donut-like configuration called a connexon.