gap junction

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a linkage of two adjacent cells consisting of a system of channels extending across a gap from one cell to the other, allowing the passage of ions and small molecules.

Example Sentences

The TNTs protrude from one pericyte to contact the other, where they terminate in a structure called a gap junction.

From Nature

The gap junction permits the exchange of small molecules and calcium ions, but prevents the passage of large objects such as organelles.

From Nature

The dim cell “recovers” its fluorescence over time as dye molecules that are still shining brightly migrate through the gap junction channels from the cell on the right.

From Scientific American

When one hemichannel encounters another in the membrane of a neighboring cell, the two can dock with one another, forming a channel that connects the interior of one cell to the interior of its neighbor; a collection of these docked channels constitutes a gap junction.

From Scientific American

The animation shows the main events in gap junction assembly—from the synthesis of gap junction proteins, called connexins, to the opening of the channels, allowing ions and small molecules to pass.

From Scientific American