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Structural diversity of gap junctions. A review.

W J Larsen
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Abstract

Gap junctions are plasma membrane specializations characterized as aggregates of intramembranous particles in two apposed membranes meeting particle-to-particle in the 2-4 nm intermembrane 'gap'. Recent thin-section and freeze-fracture evidence has revealed significant structural variations of gap junctional structure at various stages of development and from different organisms and tissues. It is suggested that a comparative analysis of these differences may provide clues to the specific biological functions(s) of these ubiquitous organelles.

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AnimalsCell DivisionEndoplasmic ReticulumFreeze FracturingHormonesHumansIntercellular JunctionsMembranesMorphogenesisOrganoidsPhylogenyRibosomesStaining and LabelingJournal ArticleReview

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W J Larsen. 1977. Structural diversity of gap junctions. A review.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-8166(77)90001-5

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