Plasmodesmata enable communication between plant cells, and the correct structure linking their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the desmotubule. This article clarifies the multiple-choice question with detailed option breakdowns.​

Correct Answer

The correct choice is (A) Desmotubule. This is a compact, cylindrical ER segment spanning plasmodesmata, connecting the ER of adjacent plant cells. It spans the cell wall channel, facilitating lipid transfer and structural support while allowing cytoplasmic flow around it.​

Option Breakdowns

Desmotubule (A)
Forms from appressed smooth ER, measuring about 15 nm in diameter. Proteins link it to the plasma membrane, and actin/myosin enable molecule regulation through the surrounding sleeve.​

Desmosome (B)
These are animal cell junctions anchoring cytoskeletons via cadherins, absent in plants. They provide mechanical strength but do not connect ER across cells.​

Dictyosome (C)
Also called Golgi apparatus, dictyosomes process and package proteins/lipids within cells. They lack any role in inter-cell ER connections or plasmodesmata.​

Microtubule (D)
Hollow cytoskeletal tubes made of tubulin aid intracellular transport and division. They do not span cell walls or link ER between neighboring cells.​