Plasmodesmata

Definition

Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels traversing the cell walls of plant cells and some algal cells, enabling transport and communication between them.

Related terms

Symplast Pathway: This is one way water can move through plants - from one cell's cytoplasm to another's via plasmodesmata.

Apoplast Pathway: In contrast, this pathway involves water movement through non-living parts of plants such as cell walls and intercellular spaces.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):

This is a network of tubules within cells that's involved in protein and lipid synthesis. In plant cells, the ER can connect to the plasma membrane via plasmodesmata.