Which type of molecules pass through gap junctions?

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Multiple Choice

Which type of molecules pass through gap junctions?

Gap junctions consist of small channels that create a direct cytoplasmic link between neighboring cells. These pores are narrow, so they allow rapid diffusion of small, water-soluble molecules and ions. That includes ions like Ca2+ and K+, as well as small signaling molecules known as second messengers (for example, IP3, cAMP), enabling quick, coordinated responses across cells. Large proteins or DNA are far too big to pass through these channels, which is why they don’t travel through gap junctions. Lipids aren’t typically transferred through these aqueous pores either, so they don’t pass through gap junctions in the same way ions and small signaling molecules do. So, the type of molecules that pass through gap junctions are ions and second messengers.

Gap junctions consist of small channels that create a direct cytoplasmic link between neighboring cells. These pores are narrow, so they allow rapid diffusion of small, water-soluble molecules and ions. That includes ions like Ca2+ and K+, as well as small signaling molecules known as second messengers (for example, IP3, cAMP), enabling quick, coordinated responses across cells.

Large proteins or DNA are far too big to pass through these channels, which is why they don’t travel through gap junctions. Lipids aren’t typically transferred through these aqueous pores either, so they don’t pass through gap junctions in the same way ions and small signaling molecules do.

So, the type of molecules that pass through gap junctions are ions and second messengers.

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