Plasmodesmata

Definition

Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels that traverse the cell walls of plant cells, facilitating communication and transport between them. These channels allow the movement of substances such as nutrients, signaling molecules, and genetic material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plasmodesmata connect the cytoplasm of adjacent plant cells, enabling direct cellular communication.
2. They consist of a narrow tube of endoplasmic reticulum called the desmotubule, surrounded by cytoplasm and plasma membrane.
3. Plasmodesmata can regulate their size to control what substances pass through them.
4. These structures are essential for maintaining tissue and organ function in plants by allowing coordinated responses.
5. They play a crucial role during plant development, growth, and defense against pathogens.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?
• Describe the structural components that make up plasmodesmata.
• How do plasmodesmata contribute to plant defense mechanisms?

Related terms

Desmotubule: A narrow tube of endoplasmic reticulum within plasmodesmata that aids in transport between cells

Symplast: The interconnected cytoplasmic network formed by plasmodesmata across multiple plant cells

Apoplast: The extracellular space in plants consisting of cell walls and intercellular spaces where water and solutes move freely