BIOLOGY Volume 1 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

5. CELLS

5.10. Cellular Structures

5.10.11. Plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata are living strands connecting adjacent plant Cells through very fine pores in adjoining Cell walls (Fig. 5.13). The Plasma Membranes of neighboring cells are continuous, lining the pores. A strand of smooth Endoplasmic reticulum, known as a desmotubule, passes through the lumen of each pore from one cell to another. This system facilitates communication and coordination between individual plant cells, as ions and molecules do not need to cross a Plasma Membrane along their pathway. However, their movement is regulated. Viruses are able to exploit these Cell wall pores and can spread from Cell to Cell via plasmodesmata.

Plasmodesmata also play a key role in The formation of Pores in the sieve plates of the phloem.



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