Abstract
Gap junctions containing extensive, highly ordered crystalline arrays of hexagonally packed connexons have been isolated from the hepatopancreas of the arthropod, Homarus americanus (American lobster). The structure of such junctions has been studied to a resolution of ∼ 25 Å in three dimensions by electron microscopy of negatively stained specimens. The structure, which has the crystallographic symmetry of the two-sided plane group p6, reveals the connexon as an annular oligomer which projects ∼30–45 Å from the cytoplasmic surface. The stain-filled channel structure appears to be ∼40–45 Å wide in the extracellular region. Projection images of glucose-embedded specimens extend to a resolution of 10 Å, and show a strong contrast from the connexon subunits. Overall the structure is quite similar to that of rat liver junctions, except that less stain is seen in the aqueous region of the gap and more surrounding the protrusions of the protein into the cytoplasm.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
