Plasmodesmata Can Change in Number, and When Dilated Can Provide

Question

Plasmodesmata can change in number, and when dilated can provide a passageway for
A) macromolecules such as RNA and proteins.
B) ribosomes.
C) chloroplasts.
D) mitochondria.
E) cytoskeletal components.

Accepted Answer

Plasmodesmata are channels that connect adjacent plant cells and allow for communication and transport of molecules between cells. These channels can change in size and number to modulate the exchange of molecules. When dilated, plasmodesmata can provide a passageway for macromolecules such as RNA and proteins to move between cells. Ribosomes, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and cytoskeletal components are all too large to pass through the plasmodesmata.