​ While both signaling mechanisms occur between two neighboring cells, there are distinct differences in their speed and functionality. Paracrine signaling will occur more slowly as a signaling molecule must be secreted from one cell, diffuse in the extracellular space, and bind to its appropriate receptor on the target cell. Once reception occurs, it will also take some time for transduction and response to ultimately take place. Gap junctions will provide a much quicker response as it involves the direct movement of small molecules and ions between two cells for an immediate effect on the target cell.

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