Question

The cilia on a sensory neuron and the cilia on Tetrahymena both depend on dynein for motility.

True or False?

Answer 1

Answer: True.

Cilia are found on the dendritic endings of sensory neurons. Cytoplasmic dynein is one of the key molecules transporting membrane‐bound organelles back to the cell body. Dysfunction of dynein would cause severe disruptions in long‐distance retrograde axonal transport, and decrease the survival of long‐axon neurons, including sensory neuron.

Tetrahymena thermophila is a ciliate with hundreds of cilia primarily used for cellular motility. These cells propel themselves by generating hydrodynamic forces through coordinated ciliary beating. The motor protein dynein is responsible for generating the force required for movement.