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30
How does a gap junctions facilitate intercellular communication?
Explanation
Gap junctions facilitate intercellular communication by allowing small signaling molecules to pass from cell to cell. These are fine hydrophilic channels between two adjacent animal cells that are formed with the help of two protein cylinders called connexus. Each connexus consists of six proteins subunits that surround a hydrophilic channel. pH and $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$ ion concentration controls, opening or closing of channels.
31
Why are blood, bone and cartilage called connective tissue?
Explanation
Connective tissue provides the structural framework and support to different organ forming tissue. Blood is a fluid or vascular connective tissue, which connects various organs and transports substances from one place to another. Bone is a solid, rigid and strong skeletal connective tissue, which support the body and help in locomotion. Cartilage is also a skeletal connective tissue, not as rigid bone but piable and resist comparission. It plays a role in support and protection and present in tip of nose, outer ear joints etc.
32
Why are neurons called excitable cells? Mention special features of the membrane of the neuron.
Explanation

Neurons are called excitable cells because these membranes are in a polarised state. Different types of ion channels are present in the neural membrane, i.e., are selectively permeable to different ions.

When a neuron is suitably stimulated an electric disturbance is generated, which swiftly travels along its plasma membrane.

Arrival of the disturbance at the neuron's ending or output zone, triggers events that may cause stimulation of adjacent neuron. These are excitable cells due to differential concentration gradient of ions (specially natural $\mathrm{K}^{+}$) across the membrane.

The special features of membrane of neuron are

(i) Excitability Neurons are able to percieve stimulus and enter a state activity caused by change in electrial potential difference across its covering membrane.

(ii) Conductivity Change in potential difference, spreads through the membrane to the whole neuron.

(iii) Connectivity Neurons are connected to several others, receiving and transmitting impulses to various directions.

(iv) Response The processed message may elicit a response in the form of a sensation.

33
Why earthworm is called the friend of farmer?
Explanation
Earthworms are called 'friends of farmer' because they make burrows in the soil and make it porous which helps plants in respiration and penetration within the soil. The worm casting is rich in urea and ammonia which improves fertility of soil. Thus, they are of much importance to mankind and used as vermicompart.
34
How do you distinguish between dorsal and ventral surface of the body of earthworm?
Explanation

The body of earthworm can be distinguished into dorsal and ventral sides due to the presence of certain peculiar feature in it like.

(i) The dorsal surface is darker then ventral surface because it is marked by a dark median mid dorsal line along the longitudinal axis of body. This is due to dorsal blood vessel, seen through integument.

(ii) The ventral surface genital openings (pores), both male and female.

(iii) Genital papilla is located on ventral surface and help in copulation.