What is the difference between plasmodesmata and gap junction?
What is the difference between plasmodesmata and gap junction?
Gap Junctions A gap junction is a protein channel that forms between the plasma membranes of two cells. One subunit of the protein, called a connexon, penetrates the plasma membrane of each cell, and the connexons then join together. A continuous channel then exists between the cytoplasm of one cell and the cytoplasm of the other. This protein channel is large enough for ions and small molecules to pass directly from one cell to the other.
Plasmodesmata Plasmodesmata are structurally different from gap junctions but serve essentially the same function. 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. The cytoplasm of both cells is thus connected and small molecules can pass from one cell to the other. A structure called a desmotubule is also usually found in a plasmodesma - it connects, and it continuous with, the smooth endoplasmic reticula of both cells.
A gap junction is a protein channel that forms between the plasma membranes of two cells. One subunit of the protein, called a connexon, penetrates the plasma membrane of each cell, and the connexons then join together. A continuous channel then exists between the cytoplasm of one cell and the cytoplasm of the other. This protein channel is large enough for ions and small molecules to pass directly from one cell to the other.
Plasmodesmata are structurally different from gap junctions but serve essentially the same function. 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. The cytoplasm of both cells is thus connected and small molecules can pass from one cell to the other. A structure called a desmotubule is also usually found in a plasmodesma - it connects, and it continuous with, the smooth endoplasmic reticula of both cells.
