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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Biophysical Characterization of Flagellar Motor Functions
Published on: January 18, 2017
Detergent-extracted models for the study of cilia or flagella
Charles B Lindemann1, Kathleen A Lesich
1Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Methods for using non-ionic detergents to produce demembranated and reactivated cilia and flagella are described in detail. Demembranated and reactivated cell models are useful as a research tool for studying motility function in flagella and cilia. When the plasma membrane is removed, the factors regulating motility can be studied under standardized experimental conditions that otherwise would be impossible. Practical insight is provided to understand the important factors in producing stable reactivated models. In addition, several useful variations of the method are presented for different types of mammalian and non-mammalian flagellar and ciliary systems.
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