Ciliákkal

Ciliákkal, often referred to as cilia in English, are microscopic, hair-like structures found on the surface of many eukaryotic cells. They play a crucial role in cellular movement and transport. These organelles are typically short and numerous, extending from the cell membrane. Each cilium is covered by an extension of the cell membrane and contains a complex internal structure known as an axoneme, composed of microtubules arranged in a characteristic 9+2 pattern.

The beating motion of cilia is highly coordinated and can propel the cell through its environment, as seen in single-celled organisms like Paramecium. In multicellular organisms, cilia lining epithelial tissues are responsible for moving fluids or particles along the cell surface. For example, cilia in the respiratory tract sweep mucus and trapped debris upwards, away from the lungs. Similarly, cilia in the fallopian tubes help transport the egg cell towards the uterus.

There are two main types of cilia: motile cilia, which are capable of movement, and non-motile primary cilia, which act as sensory organelles. Primary cilia are involved in detecting mechanical and chemical signals, playing roles in cell signaling pathways and developmental processes. Defects in ciliary structure or function can lead to a group of disorders known as ciliopathies, which affect various organ systems.