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Cilia

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Scanning Electron Microscope image of lung trachea epithelium showing ciliated cells, and non-ciliated cells with microvilli.
Diagram of the eukaryotic cilium
Transmission Electron Microscope image of cross-sectioned lung cilia. The inside of the cilium contain precisely arranged microtubles.

Cilia (singular cilium) are extensions of the cell that look like long fingers or tentacles. They are similar to the flagellum, a whip like tail found on some cells that usually helps in propulsion. Some kinds of Cilia can move and bend, others just float and seem to be used for sensors [1]

Cilia, like mitochondria and the cell nucleus, are thought to be endosymbiotic or gained when a cell "eats" another organism which eventually takes up residence in the cell. Interestingly, in one study, cilia were singled out as not being possible to have originated in this way [2]

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