explain gap junction ????
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Answer:
Gap junctions are a specialized intercellular connection between a multitude of animal cell-types.They directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells, which allows various molecules, ions and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells.
One gap junction channel is composed of two connexons (or hemichannels), which connect across the intercellular space.Gap junctions are analogous to the plasmodesmata that join plant cells.
Gap junctions occur in virtually all tissues of the body, with the exception of adult fully developed skeletal muscle and mobile cell types such as sperm or erythrocytes. Gap junctions, however, are not found in simpler organisms such as sponges and slime molds.
A gap junction may also be called a nexus or macula communicans. (Although most nerve tissues don't have gap junctions, when found in neurons or nerves it may also be called an electrical synapse, like nerve cells in dental pulp.) While an ephapse has some similarities to a gap junction, by modern definition the two are different.
Cell junctions refers to the structural and fundamental links between the individual cells especially in epithelial tissue.
Gap junctions:- These helps to facilitate the communication process between the adjoining cells for easier transportation of ions, chemicals, nutrients etc.