MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Answer and Explanation: Plasmodesmata are closest in function to option c) gap junctions in animal cells. Gap junctions connect the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells thus allowing for the movement of substances like ions to pass between the two cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -The key difference between gap junctions and plasmodesmata is that gap junctions are the channels between adjacent animal cells, while plasmodesmata are channels between adjacent plant cells. Gap junctions and plasmodesmata are two types of cell-cell interactions in animals and plants.