Microtubules
In addition to occurring singly in the cytoplasm, microtubules also form a variety of specialized structures, including centrioles, basal bodies and the axoneme of cilia and flagella. In dividing cells, microtubules also form the mitotic spindle which functions to segregate the replicated chromosomes into the newly-formed daughter cells. Centriole (L) 25,000x; Cilia (R) 20,000x
Centrioles >
Centrioles are composed of microtubules arranged as nine triplets forming a short cylinder. Centrioles form diplosomes, consisting of two centrioles oriented perpendicularly to each other.
Basal bodies >
A basal body has the same structure as a centriole but is found at the base of a cilium or a flagellum. Both cilia and flagella are supported by a core of microtubules called the axoneme. The axoneme is composed of nine pairs of microtubules that extend from the basal body and surround a centrally located doublet of microtubules. The axoneme provides motility for the cilia and flagella.
Cilia
A basal body has the same structure as a centriole but is found at the base of a cilium or a flagellum. Both cilia and flagella are supported by a core of microtubules called the axoneme. The axoneme is composed of nine pairs of microtubules that extend from the basal body and surround a centrally located doublet of microtubules. The axoneme provides motility for the cilia and flagella.
- Axoneme
A basal body has the same structure as a centriole but is found at the base of a cilium or a flagellum. Both cilia and flagella are supported by a core of microtubules called the axoneme. The axoneme is composed of nine pairs of microtubules that extend from the basal body and surround a centrally located doublet of microtubules. The axoneme provides motility for the cilia and flagella.
Microvillus >
Microvilli are short, non-motile extensions of the plasma membrane and are supported by a core of microfilaments.
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