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Gap junctions are a specialized intercellular connection between a multitude of animal cell-types. They directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells, which allows various molecules, ions and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells. One gap junction channel is composed of two connexons (or hemichannels), which connect across the intercellular space. Gap junctions are analogous to the plasmodesmata that join plant cells. Gap junctions occur in virtually all tissues of the body, with the exception of adult fully developed skeletal muscle and mobile cell types such as sperm or erythrocytes.
Signal molecules can interact with either intracellular or extracellular receptors. For a signal molecule to bind with an intracellular receptor it must be able to pass through the cellular membrane. Generally signal molecules that enter the cell are nonpolar and fat soluble. These signal molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. Signals that bind with extracellular receptors are proteins or other types of molecules that cannot readily pass through the membrane. View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.