further differentiated by using their predicted molecular weight (ex: Connexin 43 is Cx 43 due to its molecular weight of 43 kDa). Connexons will form the gap junction by docking a hemi-channel to another hemi-channel in an adjacent cell membrane. During this phase, the formation of an intercellular channels spanning both of the plasma membranes, occurs. Subsequently, this process leads to a better understanding of how electric synapses are facilitated between neurons. Early research identified connexons through their presence in gap junctions. Since then connexons have been increasingly detected forming channels in single membranes considerably broadening their functionality in cells and tissues. Degradation Connexon structure is degraded by its removal from the plasma membrane. Connexons will be internalized by the cell itself as a double membrane channel structure (due to the docking of hemi-channels). This is called internalization or endocytosis. Research suggests that gap junctions in general may be internalized using more than one method, but the best known and most studied would be that of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In simple terms this process consists of a ligand binding to a receptor signaling for a certain part of the membrane to be coated in clathrin. This part of the membrane then buds into the cell forming a vesicle. Now present in the cell membrane, connexons will be degraded by lysosomal pathways. Lysosomes are able to break down the proteins of the connexon because they contain specific enzymes that are made specifically for this process. It is thought that ubiquitination signals degradation within the cell. Cellular functions Properties The properties of individual connexin proteins determine the overall properties of the whole connexon channel. The permeability and selectivity of the channels is determined by its width as well as the molecular selectivity of connexins such as charge selectivity. Research shows connexons are particularly permeable to soluble second messengers, amino acids, nucleotides, ions and glucose. Channels are also voltage sensitive. The connexon channels have voltage-dependent gates that open or close depending on the difference in voltage between the interiors of the two cells. Gates can also show voltage sensitivity depending on the difference in voltage from the interior and exterior of the cell (i.e. membrane potential). Modulation Communication between gap-junctions can be modulated/regulated in many ways. The main types of modulation are: Chemical – one common type of chemical modulation is through the interaction of Ca2+ and certain domains of connexins. It is not