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Multiple Choice
Heart muscle cells would tend to separate without which type of cell junction?
A
Tight junctions
B
Plasmodesmata
C
Desmosomes
D
Gap junctions
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of each type of cell junction mentioned in the problem: Tight junctions, Plasmodesmata, Desmosomes, and Gap junctions.
Recall that tight junctions create a seal between cells to prevent leakage of substances, but they do not provide structural support to prevent cell separation.
Note that plasmodesmata are specific to plant cells and allow communication between plant cells, so they are not relevant to heart muscle cells, which are animal cells.
Recognize that desmosomes are specialized structures that anchor cells together, providing mechanical strength and preventing cells from pulling apart under stress, which is critical for heart muscle cells during contraction.
Understand that gap junctions allow communication between cells by permitting the passage of ions and small molecules, but they do not provide the structural support needed to prevent cell separation. Therefore, the correct answer is desmosomes.