Figure 4.23A

-What are the structures labeled "C" in the accompanying figure?
A) plasmodesmata
B) basement membranes
C) tight junctions
D) gap junctions
E) adhering junctions

Question

Figure 4.23A
 
-What are the structures labeled "C" in the accompanying figure?​
A) ​plasmodesmata 
B) ​basement membranes 
C) ​tight junctions 
D) ​gap junctions 
E) ​adhering junctions

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The structures labeled "C" in the figure are characterized by the presence of small pores or channels that allow direct communication between the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. This feature is typical of gap junctions, which enable the exchange of small molecules, ions, and electrical signals. Tight junctions (option C) are characterized by the fusion of adjacent plasma membranes to form a barrier that prevents the diffusion of molecules between cells. Adherens junctions (option E) and desmosomes typically involve the attachment of cytoskeletal proteins to the plasma membrane, whereas basement membranes (option B) are extracellular matrices that separate different tissue layers. Plasmodesmata (option A) are channels that connect the cytoplasm of plant cells, and therefore are not found in animal tissues.

Figure 4.23A -What Are the Structures Labeled "C" in the Accompanying Figure?​

Figure 4.23A -What Are the Structures Labeled "C" in the Accompanying Figure?