GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Plasmodesmata are narrow channels that act as intercellular cytoplasmic bridges to facilitate communication and transport of materials between plant cells and are absent in animal tissues.

Detailed explanation-2: -Explanation: 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-3: -Inside of the plasmodesmata is the plasma membrane, which allows molecules to pass in and out of the cell. Plasmodesmata in plant cells are located in the cellular wall. Plasmodesmata are only located within plant cells and are not found in animal cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -Thus, plant cells have only one class of intercellular junctions, plasmodesmata (singular, plasmodesma). Like gap junctions, they directly connect the cytoplasms of adjacent cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Animal cells may also contain junctions called desmosomes, which act like spot welds between adjacent epithelial cells. A desmosome involves a complex of proteins. Some of these proteins extend across the membrane, while others anchor the junction within the cell.