Adjacent plant cells have narrow channels called plasmodesmata that pass through the cell walls of the connected cells and allow a cytoplasmic connection between the cells.

which of the following statements best describes a primary function of plasmodesmata?

1. they allow the movement of molecules from one cell to another, enabling communication between cells.
2. they prevent the cell membrane from pulling away from the cell wall during periods of drought.
3. they eliminate the need to produce signaling molecules and eliminate the need for cells to have receptors for signaling molecules.
4. they increase the surface area available for attachment of ribosomes and thus increase protein synthesis.

A

Explanation:

Plant cells are encompassed in cell walls that form the plant skeletal structure. However, the presence of abundant extracellular cell wall material means that plant cells physically do not touch. To enable intercellular communication, plants have evolved cytoplasmic bridges, called plasmodesmata (Sing- Plasmodesma) that links the fluid cytoplasm between adjacent cells. The plasma membrane of one plant cell is continuous with that of its neighbour at each plasmodesma.

A Plasmodesma (Plural- Plasmodesmata) is a narrow channel through the plant cell wall that acts as intercellular cytoplasmic bridges to bring about communication and transport of materials between plant cells. Plasmodesmata form an important route for communication between plant cells, allowing molecules to pass directly from cell to cell.

The plasmodesmata separate the outer cell membranes of the plant cells. The actual air space separating the cells is called the desmotubule.