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Polarities of the centriolar structure: morphogenetic consequences.
1Centre de Génétique Moléculaire du CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Biology of the Cell
|June 23, 2001
Summary
Centrioles and basal bodies, identical organelles, possess nine-fold symmetry and mother-to-daughter duplication. Studies suggest basal bodies have circumferential polarity, hinting centrioles might too, impacting their functions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Eukaryotic Organelles
Background:
- Centrioles and basal bodies are conserved eukaryotic organelles with shared properties like nine-fold symmetry and templated duplication.
- Basal bodies, particularly those of cilia and flagella, have been studied more extensively regarding their functional polarities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for circumferential polarity in basal bodies.
- To explore the possibility of similar polarity in centrioles and its functional implications.
Main Methods:
- Review of cytological and genetical data from protists (Chlamydomonas, Paramecium, Tetrahymena).
Main Results:
- Basal bodies exhibit both proximo-distal and circumferential polarity, with non-equivalent microtubule triplets.
- This circumferential anisotropy is maintained during basal body duplication.
Conclusions:
- The non-equivalence of basal body microtubule triplets suggests a circumferential polarity.
- Centrioles may also possess circumferential polarity, potentially influencing their functions.
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