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