Basal bodies and centrioles have almost identical microscopic structures. Which of the following statements distinguishes them from each other?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. Centrosome has distal appendages but basal body does not have such appendages.
- Basal bodies and centrioles have almost identical microscopic structures. Centrosome has distal appendages but basal body does not have statement distinguishes them from each other.
- Basal bodies and centrioles have a similar structural design — both exhibit a 9+0 arrangement of microtubules, meaning nine triplet microtubules arranged in a cylindrical shape without a central pair.
- A key difference lies in the presence of distal appendages:
- Centrioles possess distal appendages (called doorasth upaang in Hindi), which help them anchor to the plasma membrane, especially during the formation of cilia and flagella.
- Basal bodies, though similar in structure, lack these distal appendages.
- While both play a role in microtubule organization:
- Basal bodies primarily act as organizing centers for the development of cilia and flagella.
- Centrioles are more involved in processes like cell division and membrane anchoring during organelle formation.
- This functional distinction underscores how similar-looking cellular structures can have specialized roles depending on their associated features.