Passage of ions through gap junctions, illustration

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Illustration demonstrating the passage of ions through gap junctions. Gap junctions are specialised intercellular channels formed by a group of transmembrane proteins called connexins. These channels form a cylindrical structure (beige) that allows small molecules and ions (red, green and blue) to pass freely between adjacent cells. This feature permits changes in membrane potential to propagate from cell to cell, enabling cells to communicate.

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Size: 3984px × 3864px
Location:
Photo credit: © FRANCIS LEROY, BIOCOSMOS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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