Basal body meaning

A basal body is a structure essential for the formation of cilia and flagella in eukaryotic cells.


Basal body definitions

Word backwards lasab ydob
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ba-sal bo-dy
Plural The plural of basal body is basal bodies.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (5) b,s,l,d,y

The basal body is a cellular structure that plays a crucial role in organizing the microtubules of cilia and flagella. It acts as a template for the formation of these cell appendages, providing structural support and stability.

Structure of Basal Body

The basal body is typically located at the base of cilia and flagella, anchoring these structures to the cell membrane. It consists of a ring of nine microtubule triplets arranged in a cylindrical fashion, which is similar to the structure of centrioles.

Function of Basal Body

The primary function of the basal body is to serve as a scaffold for the assembly of cilia and flagella. It helps in the nucleation and organization of microtubules, which are essential for the movement and function of these cell protrusions.

Additionally, the basal body plays a role in establishing the orientation of cilia and flagella, ensuring their proper alignment and coordinated beating motion. It also facilitates the trafficking of proteins and vesicles to and from the ciliary structures.

Role in Cellular Function

Basal bodies are critical for various cellular processes, including cell motility, sensory perception, and signaling. They are involved in the movement of fluids across epithelial surfaces, mechanosensation, and the transduction of extracellular signals.

Defects in basal body structure or function can lead to ciliary disorders, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which are characterized by impaired ciliary motion and sensory defects.

Research and Implications

Studying basal bodies can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying ciliary biogenesis and function. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in basal body formation and maintenance may lead to the development of novel therapies for ciliopathies and other related disorders.

In conclusion, the basal body is a critical organelle with diverse functions in cellular physiology. Its intricate structure and regulatory roles highlight its significance in maintaining cell homeostasis and mediating various cellular processes.


Basal body Examples

  1. The basal body temperature can be used to track ovulation cycles.
  2. The structure of the cell includes the basal body of the flagellum.
  3. Researchers are studying the basal body of cilia to understand their function.
  4. Defects in the basal body can lead to ciliopathies.
  5. The basal body anchors the cilium to the cell.
  6. The movement of the basal body is essential for ciliary function.
  7. The basal body acts as a template for the formation of cilia.
  8. Mutations in genes related to the basal body can cause ciliopathies.
  9. Microtubules are an important component of the basal body.
  10. The development of the basal body occurs during the cell cycle.


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  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 02:41:47