Axonemes

/ˈæksəˌniːmz/ noun

Definition

The plural of axoneme; the internal core structure of cilia and flagella made of microtubules that helps cells move.

Etymology

From Greek 'axon' (axis) + 'nema' (thread), combining the roots for axis and thread. The term was coined in the 20th century to describe the threadlike central core discovered in cell appendages.

Kelly Says

Axonemes are like the microscopic motors of life—the identical 9+2 microtubule pattern found in everything from sperm cells to the cilia lining your lungs shows nature's obsession with elegant engineering solutions.

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