Cell lining of the lumen of the fallopian tube is involved in ciliary action to transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. The cytoskeleton structure responsible for this movement is
Correct Answer :
microtubules
Solution :
The correct option is microtubules.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understanding the Biological Context:
The lumen of the fallopian tube (oviduct) is lined with ciliated columnar epithelial cells. These cells possess hair-like projections called cilia on their apical surface. The coordinated, rhythmic beating or ciliary action of these cilia is crucial for transporting the egg (oocyte) from the ovary toward the uterus.
2. Identifying the Cytoskeletal Component of Cilia:
Cilia are specialized, membrane-bound organelles projecting from the cell surface. The structural core of each cilium, known as the axoneme, is composed of a specific arrangement of cytoskeletal elements. This axoneme consists of a characteristic "9+2" arrangement, where nine outer doublet tubules surround two central singlet tubules.
3. Composition of the Tubules:
These tubules in the cilia are made of microtubules, which are hollow cylinders constructed from polymerized dimers of alpha- and beta-tubulin proteins. Along with motor proteins (like dynein), these microtubules slide relative to one another, generating the force required for ciliary movement and egg transport.
4. Evaluating Other Options:
- Flagella: While flagella also contain a microtubule-based axoneme, they are long, single structures (like the tail of a sperm cell) rather than the multiple, short cilia lining the fallopian tube epithelial surface.
- Microfilaments: These are made of actin and are involved in cell contraction, amoeboid movement, and structure of microvilli, but not the beating motion of cilia.
- Intermediate filaments: These provide mechanical strength to cells (e.g., keratin) and are not involved in active ciliary movement.
Therefore, the cytoskeletal structure directly responsible for the ciliary movement in the fallopian tube is microtubules.
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