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What are plasmodesmata?

  1. Structures that provide structural support in plants

  2. Gaps in the cell wall connecting two plant cells

  3. Proteins that function in cellular signaling

  4. The outer membrane of a plant cell

The correct answer is: Gaps in the cell wall connecting two plant cells

Plasmodesmata are specialized channels that facilitate the direct connection between the cytoplasm of adjacent plant cells. They allow for the transport of water, small solutes, and certain molecules, providing a means for communication and transport between cells. This structural feature is crucial for maintaining the plant's physiological functions, including growth and response to environmental stimuli. While structural support is vital in plants and some components contribute to it, plasmodesmata specifically serve a different function related to cell communication rather than structural integrity. Proteins involved in cellular signaling and the outer membrane of a plant cell pertain to different cellular processes and structures, further distinguishing the role of plasmodesmata in plant biology from those functions.