Cilia and Flagelos: What are, function and structure

Cilia are specialized cellular structures found on the surface of many eukaryotic cells. Are small and mobile projections similar to hair or eyelashes that stand out from the plasma membrane. It should be noted that cilia are a classification of trichomes.

Cilia function

Cilia play several important functions in cells. Next, some of the main functions of the cilia along with examples are presented:

• Movement and transport of fluids: The cilia present in the respiratory epithelium cells are coordinated to move the mucus to the throat, which helps eliminate foreign particles and protect the lungs.
• Sensory detection: In the sensory cells of the inner ear, the cilia capture the sound vibrations and make them electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound.
• Signal transduction: In kidney cells, cilia are sensitive to fluid flow and can detect pressure changes. This triggers a cellular response that regulates the reabsorption of water and salts in the kidney.

Cilia Structure

The cilia are mainly composed of microtubuleswhich are tubular protein filaments that form an internal skeleton called axonema. The axonema of the cilia consists of a microtubules arrangement called “9+2”, which consists of nine pairs of peripheral microtubules surrounding two central microtubules.

The Structure “9+2” is a characteristic of mobile ciliawhich are found in cells such as the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and the cells of the renal tubules. These mobile cilia have a coordinated and rhythmic movement that helps the displacement of fluids or particles along the cell surface. For example, cilia in respiratory tract cells help move the mucus and catch foreign particles for subsequent elimination.

In addition, there are also primary ciliathat they have a Structure “9+0” With nine pairs of peripheral microtubules, but lack the central microtubules. These primary cilia are less mobile and perform various functions, such as the detection of environmental signals and the transduction of chemical and mechanical signals.

Flagella are specialized cellular structures found in some organisms, such as bacteria, arches and unicellular eukaryotes. They are mobile and elongated appendages that stand out from the cell surface and are involved in cell locomotion.

Unlike the cilia, which are usually numerous and short, the scourges are Individual, long and whip -shaped structures. They are mainly composed of proteins, such as scourge in bacteria and tubulin in unicellular eukaryotes.

Function of the flagella

The main function of the scourges is to allow the Cell movementespecially locomotion in liquid media.

• Mobile bacteria: Many bacteria have scourges that allow them to move towards or get away from certain chemical or physical stimuli. For example, flagelled bacteria such as Escherichia coli They can use their scourges to swim in search of nutrients or to get away from toxic substances.
• Flagellated protists: Unicellular protists, such as protozoa, often have one or several scourges that allow them to move in their aqueous environment. For example, the paramecio, a ciliated protozoan, has a scourge that helps him move quickly and efficiently in the water.
• Flagellate algae: The green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii He has two scourges that allow him to swim and orient himself towards light to perform photosynthesis.

Structure of the scourges

Bacterial scourges have a basic structure consisting of three main components:

• Filament: It is the external part of the scourge and consists of a helical chain of Flagelina subunits, which provides the structure and capacity of movement.
• Hook: It is a flexible joint that connects the filament with the basal body. It allows the scourge to move in different directions.
• BASAL BODY: It is the base of the scourge that is inside the cell. It contains the rings and the flagellar engine, which are responsible for generating the energy necessary for the movement of the scourge.

In unicellular eukaryotic organisms, such as protozoa and some algae, the scourges have a structure similar to axonema “9+2” of the ciliawhich consists of nine pairs of peripheral microtubules and two central microtubules. These flagella are able to move in a undulating or swing way, driving the body through an aqueous medium.

There are several differences between cilia and scourges. Next, some of the main differences are listed:

• Structure and length: The cilia are shorter and more numerous structures, while the scourges are longer and are generally presented in less quantity. The cilia usually measure between 2 and 10 micrometers in length, while the flagella can reach several micrometers or even millimeters in length.
• Distribution pattern: Cilia are usually arranged in rows or rows along the cell surface, while the scourges are usually individual structures that stand out from the cell.
• Motion: The cilia generally perform coordinated and rhythmic movements in the form of smoothies, which allows the generation of a directional flow. Instead, flagella can move in a wave or whip -shaped way to generate movement and propulsion.

Now that you know what cilia and scourges are, you may also be interested in this article about the cytoskeleton: what is, characteristics, function and structure.

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