NEET PG DENTAL EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -Gap junctions are aggregates of intercellular channels that permit direct cell–cell transfer of ions and small molecules. Initially described as low-resistance ion pathways joining excitable cells (nerve and muscle), gap junctions are found joining virtually all cells in solid tissues.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gap junctions facilitate the cells to communicate with each other by connecting the cytoplasm of adjoining cells, for rapid transfer of ions, small molecules and sometimes big molecules.

Detailed explanation-3: -Intercellular communication is largely mediated by gap junctions (GJs), a type of specialized membrane contact composed of variable number of channels that enable direct communication between cells by allowing small molecules to pass directly into the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -Tight junction refers to a specialized connection of two adjacent animal cell membranes, such that, space usually lying between them is absent while a gap junction refers to a linkage of two adjacent cells consisting of a system of channels extending across a gap from one cell to the other, allowing the passage.