Question

1. Discuss one type of junction that holds cells and tissues together.

Answer 1

A gap junction is a specialized cell junction that directly connects the cytoplasm of two cells.Gap junctions allow for electrical communication between cells, and it allows the passage of small second messengers.Gap junctions are also called communicating junctions, macula communicans, nexuses. These are connections that allow for the direct passage of molecules between two cells.Gap junctions consist of a number of transmembrane channels called pores that are found in a closely packed arrangement. The number of gap junctions shared between two cells. Gap junction found in cardiac,nerve,smooth muscle of small intestine. These channels permits free passage for sugar,ions and amino acids.Gap junctions are formed by the apposition of connexons from adjacent cells.Each connexon is formed by six connexin proteins.