Transcript Intercellular Junctions in Plants

Intercellular Junctions in
Plants
• Plasmodesmata: channels in which plant cell
walls are perforated with.
• Functions of Plasmodesmata include:
– Allowing cytosol to pass through, which connects
cells to unify plant into one living thing
– Water and small solutes pass from cell to cell.
– Macromolecules pass through and are transported
on cytoskeleton.
Plasmodesmata in Plant Cells
Intercellular Junctions in
Animal Cells
• Tight Junctions: Specific proteins bind
cell membranes which are pressed
against each other.
– Function: Tight Junctions prevent
extracellular fluid from leaking across
epithelial cells.
Intercellular Junctions in
Animal Cells
• Desmonsomes: also known as
“anchoring junctions,” desmonsomes
are like rivets that fasten cells together.
– Desmonsomes are anchored to the
cytoplasm by filaments made of keratin
proteins.
Intercellular Junctions in
Animal Cells
• Gap Junctions: also known as
“communicating junctions,” gap
junctions act as cytoplasmic channels
between cells.
– Function: Each pore is surrounded by
membrane proteins which allow ions,
sugars, amino acids, and other things cells
need to pass from cell to cell.
Intercellular Junctions in
Animal Cells