Question

What are gap junctions and where are they found in cardiac muscle?

1) Molecular pores that permit ions and other small molecules to pass between adjacent cells; found in the lateral regions of the intercalated disks in cardiac muscle
2) Proteins that facilitate the movement of large molecules and organelles between adjacent cells; found in the cytoplasm of cardiac muscle cells
3)hannels that allow the exchange of genetic material between adjacent cells; found in the nucleus of cardiac muscle cells
4) Receptors that bind to neurotransmitters and initiate signaling pathways; found on the surface of cardiac muscle cells

Answer 1

Gap junctions in cardiac muscle are molecular pores that permit ions and other small molecules to pass between adjacent cells, and they are found in the lateral regions of the intercalated disks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gap junctions develop when a set of six proteins (called connexins) in the plasma membrane arrange themselves in an elongated donut-like configuration called a connexon. When the pores ("doughnut holes") of connexons in adjacent animal cells align, a channel between the two cells forms. Gap junctions are particularly important in cardiac muscle: The electrical signal for the muscle to contract is passed efficiently through gap junctions, allowing the heart muscle cells to contract in tandem.