Final answer:
The Golgi apparatus is involved in packaging and distributing molecules within cells and is abundant in cells with high secretory function, reflecting the principle that form follows function. Gap junctions are channels that allow communication between animal cells while maintaining a physical separation, contrary to the notion that communicative cells are fused together.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion revolves around the structural and functional relationship between the Golgi apparatus and gap junctions in cells. The Golgi apparatus is a eukaryotic organelle made up of a series of stacked membranes that play a key role in sorting, tagging, and packaging lipids and proteins for distribution within cells. This organelle is particularly abundant in cells with high secretory activity, indicating that the form of cellular structures follows their function.
Gap junctions, on the other hand, are specialized channels between adjacent animal cells that enable the transport of ions, nutrients, and low-molecular weight substances, allowing for intercellular communication. It is important to note that while gap junctions facilitate close communication between cells, they do maintain physical separation between the cells. This refutes the assertion that cells with communicating functions are always fused together without any space, as indicated by the Golgi stain technique developed by Camillo Golgi.
Moreover, the presence of gap junctions and evidence that they maintain intercellular space challenges the notion that cells are not separated by spaces. While gap junctions do allow for the direct exchange of materials between cells, they still respect the individuality of each cell's plasma membrane.