Eukaryotic flagella differ structurally and functionally from prokaryotic flagella; eukaryotic flagella are flexible, whip-like structures composed of a $${}9+2$$ array of microtubules that bend to move, whereas prokaryotic flagella are stiff, rotating structures.

Comparison of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Flagella

Eukaryotic cilia are short, hair-like external structures unique to eukaryotic cells that often cover the entire cell surface. While structurally similar to eukaryotic flagella with a $${}9+2$$ array of microtubules, they are shorter and utilize a rapid, flexible, waving motion for motility, as well as functions like sweeping particles past or into cells.

Eukaryotic Cilia

The eukaryotic basal body is a structure located at the base of each eukaryotic cilium and flagellum that anchors the appendage to the cell. Embedded in the plasma membrane, it is composed of an array of triplet microtubules structurally similar to a centriole.

Eukaryotic Basal Body

The $${}9+2$$ array is the structural arrangement characteristic of eukaryotic flagella and cilia, consisting of nine parallel pairs of outer microtubules that surround a central pair of microtubules to form a flexible, whip-like structure.

$${}9+2$$ Array of Eukaryotic Cilia and Flagella

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are cell appendages that are structurally composed of microtubules, which make up both their filament and basal body components.

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Microtubules are dynamic eukaryotic cytoskeletal structures composed of tubulin dimers (alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin) that form hollow tubes with a diameter of $${}23\text{ nm}$$. They serve as internal support structures, transport tracks for organelles and vesicles, components of flagella and cilia, and form the mitotic spindle during cell division.

Microtubules

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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A microtubule is structured as a hollow tube composed of stacks of rings, where each ring is made of $${}13$$ polymerized dimers of alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin.

Microtubule Structure

Microtubules act as cellular tracks along which motor proteins, such as dynein and kinesin, move to transport organelles and vesicles throughout the cytoplasm.

Intracellular Transport via Microtubules

Eukaryotic Cilia and Flagella

The mitotic spindle is a eukaryotic cell division structure that serves to separate chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. It is produced by two centrosomes located at opposite ends of the cell.

Mitotic Spindle

Centrosomes are cell structures that function as microtubule-organizing centers. During eukaryotic cell division, two centrosomes position themselves at opposite ends of the cell to produce the mitotic spindle.

Centrosomes

A centriole is a cylindrical cellular structure composed of twenty-seven parallel microtubules arranged in nine triplets. A pair of centrioles positioned at right angles to each other forms a centrosome.

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