title: New observations on flagellar fine structure. The relationship between matrix structure and the microtubule component of the axoneme.
abstract: The sperm flagella of the blowfly Sarcophaga bullata demonstrate the relationship of radial projections in the matrix region to the microtubule organization of the axoneme. The A microtubule of each peripheral doublet is connected to the central sheath by a series of paired radial links. The links lie along the tubule wall with a alternate spacing of about 320/560 A. The distal end of each link is enlarged into a globular head that connects via a transitional link to the helical sheath around the central microtubules. The radial link pairs are disposed in the form of a double helix with a pitch of about 1760 A. It is proposed that a similar organization is common to all cilia and flagella showing ninefold symmetry and must provide, in part, the morphological basis for motility.
mesh_terms: D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000166:cytology; D003460:Crystallization; D004175:Diptera / Q000166:cytology; D005407:Flagella; D006652:Histological Techniques; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008870:Microtubules; D008928:Mitochondria; D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid; D011679:Pupa / Q000166:cytology; D013094:Spermatozoa; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010772:Phosphotungstic Acid