Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?
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2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components
Introduction to the Cytoskeleton
1:52 minutesProblem 23
Textbook Question
Dynein is missing from the cilia and flagella of individuals with a specific inherited disorder. These individuals have severe respiratory problems and, if males, are sterile. What is the structural connection between these two symptoms?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of dynein: Dynein is a motor protein responsible for the movement of cilia and flagella. It generates force by hydrolyzing ATP, allowing these structures to beat or move effectively.
Examine the function of cilia in the respiratory system: Cilia line the respiratory tract and are responsible for moving mucus and trapped particles out of the airways. Without dynein, cilia cannot beat properly, leading to mucus buildup and severe respiratory problems.
Analyze the role of flagella in male fertility: In males, flagella are essential for sperm motility. The tail of the sperm is a flagellum, and dynein is required for its movement. Without dynein, sperm cannot swim effectively, leading to sterility.
Identify the structural connection: Both cilia and flagella share a similar internal structure, known as the axoneme, which consists of microtubules and dynein arms. The absence of dynein disrupts the function of this shared structure, causing both respiratory and reproductive issues.
Conclude the relationship: The structural connection between the symptoms is the shared dependence of cilia and flagella on dynein for their movement. The inherited disorder affects the axoneme's functionality in both systems, leading to the observed symptoms.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Dynein Function
Dynein is a motor protein essential for the movement of cilia and flagella. It facilitates the sliding of microtubules, allowing these structures to beat and generate movement. In the absence of dynein, cilia and flagella cannot function properly, leading to impaired motility in respiratory cells and sperm cells, which is critical for clearing mucus and facilitating reproduction.
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Cilia and Flagella Structure
Cilia and flagella are composed of microtubules arranged in a '9+2' structure, where nine doublet microtubules surround two central microtubules. This arrangement is crucial for their function in movement. The integrity of this structure is dependent on dynein, which provides the necessary force for bending and movement, linking the structural integrity to the symptoms observed in the disorder.
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Respiratory and Reproductive Systems
The respiratory system relies on cilia to move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways, while the reproductive system depends on flagella for sperm motility. In individuals lacking dynein, the dysfunction of cilia leads to severe respiratory issues due to ineffective mucus clearance, and the absence of functional flagella results in male sterility, illustrating the interconnectedness of these systems through the structural role of dynein.
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