Gap Junction - Levels of Organization

Levels of Organization

1. DNA to RNA to Connexin protein.
2. One connexin protein has four transmembrane domains
3. 6 Connexins create one Connexon (hemichannel). When different connexins join together to form one connexon, it is called a heteromeric connexon
4. Two hemichannels, joined together across a cell membrane comprise a Gap Junction channel.
   When two identical connexons come together to form a Gap junction channel, it is called a homotypic GJ channel. When one homomeric connexon and one heteromeric connexon come together, it is called a heterotypic gap junction channel. When two heteromeric connexons join, it is also called a heteromeric Gap Junction channel.
5. Several gap junction channels (hundreds) assemble within a macromolecular complex called a gap junction plaque.