2. Function of Gap Junction Used by most cells in animal tissues with the exception of a few terminally differentiated cells, such as skeletal muscle cells and blood cells Allowing inorganic ions and other small water-soluble molecules to pass directly from one cell to the other thus coupling the cells both electrically and metabolically In electrically excitable cells such as nerve cells allow action potential to spread rapidly without the delay that occurs at chemical synapses The sharing of small metabolites and ions provides a mechanism for coordinating the activities of individual cells (metabolic cooperation)• Used by most cells in animal tissues with the exception of a few terminally differentiated cells, such as skeletal muscle cells and blood cells • Allowing inorganic ions and other small water-soluble molecules to pass directly from one cell to the other, thus coupling the cells both electrically and metabolically ◆ In electrically excitable cells such as nerve cells allow action potential to spread rapidly without the delay that occurs at chemical synapses ◆ The sharing of small metabolites and ions provides a mechanism for coordinating the activities of individual cells (metabolic cooperation) 2. Function of Gap Junction