Final answer:
Plasmodesmata in plant cells are analogous to gap junctions in animal cells, providing channels for intercellular communication, despite structural differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to the question 'Plasmodesmata are analogous to ____ in animal cells' is A) Gap junctions. In animal cells, gap junctions perform a function that is comparable to what plasmodesmata do in plant cells. They are both channels between adjacent cells that allow for the transport of ions, nutrients, and other substances, facilitating communication between cells. However, it's important to note that structurally, gap junctions and plasmodesmata differ significantly.