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Eukaryotic Cilia & Flagella definitions

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  • Cilia
    Short, hair-like projections covering the cell surface, moving objects or the cell itself with oar-like strokes.
  • Flagella
    Long, tail-like extensions that propel cells through their environment using whip-like movements.
  • Microtubules
    Cylindrical protein structures forming the internal scaffold of cilia and flagella, arranged in a specific pattern.
  • Cytoskeleton
    Cellular framework providing structure and support, with microtubules as a key component in movement organelles.
  • Basal Body
    Anchoring structure at the cell surface from which cilia and flagella extend outward.
  • 9+2 Arrangement
    Pattern of nine microtubule pairs surrounding two central microtubules, characteristic of eukaryotic cilia and flagella.
  • Motility
    Capacity for movement, especially as seen in cilia and flagella enabling cells to move or shift materials.
  • ATP Hydrolysis
    Energy-releasing process that powers the movement of eukaryotic flagella and cilia.
  • Oar-like Motion
    Movement pattern of cilia, resembling the back-and-forth action of boat oars.
  • Whip-like Motion
    Movement pattern of flagella, generating propulsion through rapid, undulating waves.
  • Proton Motive Force
    Energy source for prokaryotic flagella, distinct from the ATP-driven movement in eukaryotes.
  • Cell Surface
    Outer boundary of the cell from which cilia and flagella project.
  • Central Microtubules
    Pair of microtubules located at the core of the 9+2 arrangement in cilia and flagella.
  • Peripheral Microtubule Pairs
    Nine pairs of microtubules forming the outer ring in the 9+2 arrangement.