Question

What is symplast?

Answer 1

The symplast refers to the interconnected cytoplasm of plant cells. It is a continuous network of cytoplasmic strands formed by plasmodesmata, which are microscopic channels that penetrate the cell walls of adjacent plant cells. These plasmodesmata allow for the movement of materials, such as water, ions, and small molecules, between cells within the plant. The symplast plays a crucial role in various plant processes, including nutrient transport, signal transduction, and communication between cells.