Super Cilia By Jonathan Klotz

This Superhero Comes in more than One Type: Cilia Classification Two major types of cilia: motile and immotile Motile Cilia: Found in large eukaryotic organisms such as mammals Occur on cells in large groups Move in unison to complete a task For Example, motile cilia are found on the cells that for the human trachea. These cilia move in unison to collect dirt and dust and clean the trachea

Cilia Classification (cont.) Immotile Cilia Usually occur one per cell Often connects one cell or group of cells to another Has many other specialized uses

Anatomy of a Superhero: Structure of Cilia Have a microtubule-based cytoskeleton Microtubules are arranged in a 2-9 configuration Outer Microtubules are doublets (see diagram) Dynein arms are on either side of all of the doublets The Dynein arms contain motor proteins which facilitate movement Microtubules provide support for the structure Radial Spokes connect the outer microtubules to the inner microtubules Nexins and a Spoke system connects microtubules Plasma membrane surrounds cilia and provides boundaries

A Superhero’s Job: Function of Cilia To help the cell complete its specified task To connect the cell to other cells or groups of cells The cilia is to the cell as the arms and legs are to the human body because cilia’s job is to interact with the outside environment

The Hero In Action: Under a Microscope Microtubule Central Bridge Plasma Membrane Motile cilia in a human lung

Cilia Diagram Microtubule Doublet Radial Spoke Dynein Arms

Bibliography Biology: Concepts and Connections 6e, Campbell, Mitchell & Reece