Question

Normal development, function and repair of the sensory epithelia in the inner ear are all dependent on proper cell junctions..Mutations in the connexin genes GJB2 and GJB6 disrupt the connections between adjacent cells in the epithelia of the cochlea. It is believed that disruption of these connections leads to a disruption of the proper flow of K ions from the cytoplasm of one cell to the cytoplasm of the next cell, leading to deafness. The disrupted junctions described above are_________.

A. plasmodesmata
B. adherens junctions
C. gap junctions
D. tight junctions

Answer 1

Gap junction

Step-by-step explanation:

Connexin is a subunit of connexon protein which assemble to form a gap in the vertebrate cells called gap junctions. The gap junctions allow the transfer of ions and molecule between the cells and enables the cells to interact and communicate.

In the given question, the mutations in the connexin genes can disrupt the flow of ions and thus the junction is disrupted. Since the connexin is involved in forming the gap junctions, therefore, gap junction is correct.