Question

Describe electrical synapses and the role of gap junctions.

A. Electrical synapses involve chemical signaling, and gap junctions allow direct communication through ion channels.
B. Electrical synapses involve direct cell-to-cell communication, and gap junctions facilitate this communication through chemical messengers.
C. Electrical synapses involve both chemical and electrical signaling, and gap junctions inhibit direct communication between cells.
D. Electrical synapses involve chemical signaling, and gap junctions prevent direct communication by blocking ion channels.

Answer 1

Electrical synapses involve direct cell-to-cell communication facilitated by gap junctions, which allow ions and other small molecules to pass between cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrical synapses involve a direct connection between two cells, allowing ions to pass directly from one cell to the next. These synapses are facilitated by gap junctions, which are channel proteins that physically connect the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes. Gap junctions allow current and other small molecules to pass between cells. Unlike chemical synapses, electrical synapses involve direct cell-to-cell communication and have virtually instantaneous signaling.