Connexons are components of which junction type?

• A. Gap junctions
• B. Tight junctions
• C. Adherens junctions
• D. Desmosomes

Answer: (A)

Connexons form gap junction channels that directly connect neighboring cells. Each connexon is a hemichannel built from six connexin proteins in the plasma membrane; when a hemichannel from one cell docks with a matching one from an adjacent cell, they create a continuous aqueous pore between the two cytoplasms. This channel lets ions and small signaling molecules pass quickly, enabling coordinated electrical and metabolic communication across tissue cells. Other junctions, like tight junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes, are mainly about adhesion or sealing barriers and do not form these intercellular channels, so they don’t involve connexons.