Chapter 6.6, Problem 1CC

Summary Introduction

To find: The way in which cilia and flagella bend.

Concept introduction:

Cilia and flagella are specialized arrangements of microtubules. It helps in the movement of sperm, algae and sweeping mucus containing trapped debris. A flagellum has undulating movement andcilia have alternative power and recovery strokes. Microtubules are hollow tubes of 25nm diameter. It is made of tubulin protein. It is important for the maintenance of cell shape and motility. In both cilia and flagella, microtubules are arranged in “9+2” pattern. There are two microtubules at the center and nine microtubules at the periphery. At the periphery, microtubules are present in doublet. The microtubules of cilia and flagella are attached with basal body. Basal body has “9+0” pattern of arrangement. There are zero microtubules at the center and nine microtubules at the periphery.