Question

Cell wall possesses minute cytoplasmic bridges between adjacent cells. They are called

• A. Plasmodesmata
• B. Middle lamella
• C. Apoplasma
• D. Desmosomes

Hint:

Remember that Symplastic transport relies on Plasmodesmata (living connections), while Apoplastic transport occurs through the non-living cell wall space.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The rigid cell walls of adjacent plant cells form a physical barrier to transport and direct communication.
To overcome this, plants utilize specialized channels that traverse the cell wall and link the cytoplasm of neighboring cells.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Plasmodesmata are microscopic, membrane-lined cytoplasmic channels that cross the cell walls of plants and some algae.
They establish a continuous cytoplasmic network (the symplast) throughout the plant tissue, allowing the transport of water, ions, hormones, and small proteins.
The middle lamella is a pectin-rich layer that acts as an adhesive glue between cell walls but does not contain open cytoplasmic bridges.
The apoplasma (or apoplast) refers to the non-living network of cell walls and intercellular spaces outside the plasma membrane.
Desmosomes are specialized cell-to-cell adhesion structures containing intermediate filaments, found only in animal cells.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The cytoplasmic bridges that cross cell walls to connect adjacent plant cells are called plasmodesmata.