Intercalated discs are cell-cell junctions found between cardiac muscle cells. One feature of these intercalated discs is that they contain a large number of gap junctions, which means that ________.
A) an extension of smooth endoplasmic reticulum goes through the gap junction, making it continuous from one cardiac muscle cell to the next
B) water ions and small molecules can readily pass from one cardiac muscle cell to the next
C) cardiac cells can function independently when necessary
D) RNA from one cardiac muscle cell can be transported into an adjacent cell through the gap junction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gap junctions allow for the direct passage of small molecules and ions between cells, which is important for the coordinated contraction of cardiac muscle cells in the heart. This allows for the spread of electrical signals and action potentials from cell to cell, ensuring the synchronous contraction of the heart. The other choices are inaccurate or irrelevant to the function of gap junctions in intercalated discs.

Intercalated Discs Are Cell-Cell Junctions Found Between Cardiac Muscle Cells