You are examining the characteristics of ion movement in cells in culture. You find that addition of a particular compound to the medium interferes with this movement. The compound you are using most likely interferes with the function of which of the following structures that allows ion and small molecule passage directly from the cytosol of one cell to another?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gap junctions are specialized structures that allow ions and small molecules to pass directly from the cytosol of one cell to another, facilitating intercellular communication.  Gap junctions do not seal membranes together, nor do they restrict the passage of material between membranes. Rather, gap junctions are composed of arrays of small channels that permit small molecules to shuttle from one cell to another and thus directly link the interior of adjacent cells. Importantly, gap junctions allow electrical and metabolic coupling among cells because signals initiated in one cell can readily propagate to neighboring cells

You Are Examining the Characteristics of Ion Movement in Cells