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Plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata

The organs in a multicellular organism’s body are made up of tissues formed by cells. To work together cohesively, cells must communicate. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.

Plasmodesmata

Plasmodesmata

In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...

Short-distance Transport of Resources

Short-distance Transport of Resources

Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.

The Apoplast and Symplast

The Apoplast and Symplast

Plant growth depends on its ability to take up water and dissolved minerals from the soil. The root system of every plant is equipped with the necessary tissues to facilitate the entry of water and solutes. The plant tissues involved in the transport of water and minerals have two major compartments - the apoplast and the symplast. The apoplast includes everything outside the plasma membrane of living cells and consists of cell walls, extracellular spaces, xylem, phloem, and tracheids. The...

Contact-dependent Signaling

Contact-dependent Signaling

Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...

Transcellular Transport of Solutes

Transcellular Transport of Solutes

Transcellular transport of solutes is the movement of substances like monosaccharides and amino acids through polarized cells. This transport mechanism is primarily seen in epithelial and endothelial cells aided by membrane transport proteins such as channels and transporters. The tight junctions between these cells confine the membrane proteins to the two sides of the cell. The epithelial cells have distinct apical and basolateral domains. In contrast, the endothelial cells show the luminal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Identification of Plasmodesmal Localization Sequences in Proteins In Planta

Identification of Plasmodesmal Localization Sequences in Proteins In Planta

Published on: August 15, 2017

The cytosol must flow: intercellular transport through plasmodesmata.

Jacob O Brunkard¹, Anne M Runkel¹, Patricia C Zambryski¹

¹Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

|April 8, 2015

Summary

Plasmodesmata (PD) are channels connecting plant cells, essential for resource sharing and development. Their regulation is key for cell differentiation and coordinated plant physiology, with evidence suggesting independent evolution in different lineages.

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Last Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Identification of Plasmodesmal Localization Sequences in Proteins In Planta

Identification of Plasmodesmal Localization Sequences in Proteins In Planta

Published on: August 15, 2017

Author Spotlight: Microscopic Analysis of Protein Localization at Plasmodesmata in Plants

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A Cell-to-cell Macromolecular Transport Assay in Planta Utilizing Biolistic Bombardment

A Cell-to-cell Macromolecular Transport Assay in Planta Utilizing Biolistic Bombardment

Published on: August 27, 2010

Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Plant cells communicate via plasmodesmata (PD), nanoscopic channels enabling resource and signaling molecule exchange.
PD protein components are being identified, and advanced microscopy reveals their ultrastructure.
Regulated transport through PD is vital for plant morphogenesis and cell differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the structure and function of plasmodesmata in plant cells.
To understand the regulation of transport through PD by cellular components and signaling networks.
To investigate the evolutionary origins of PD in land plants and their algal relatives.

Main Methods:

Utilizing superresolution live-cell microscopy to visualize PD ultrastructure.
Identifying protein components of PD membranes.
Analyzing signal transduction networks involving chloroplasts and mitochondria that regulate PD function.

Main Results:

Advances in microscopy are illuminating the detailed structure of PD.
Protein components of PD membranes have been identified.
Evidence suggests PD have evolved independently in multiple plant lineages.

Conclusions:

Plasmodesmata are crucial for intercellular communication and development in plants.
Regulation of PD transport is essential for cell differentiation and coordinated physiological processes.
The independent evolution of PD highlights the significance of cytosolic bridges in multicellular organisms.