The functional analysis of the flagellar apparatus in green algae.
The flagellar apparatus of green algae is a complex organelle of great structural diversity. Diversity exists with respect to numbers of flagella, flagellar appendages (e.g., scales), origin of flagella in relation to cell symmetry, basal body and transitional region ultrastructure, fibrous structures interconnecting basal bodies and flagellar root systems. The flagellar apparatus performs several different functions in a single cell and also probably functions differently in different green algal genera. In addition to being an organelle which moves the cell through an aqueous environment the flagellar apparatus reacts to the mechanical, chemical, gravitational and light stimulation of the cell. It also plays an important role during sexual fusion of isogamous, anisogamous and oogamous species of green algae. Furthermore it contains several microtubule-organising centres (MTOCs) and in most flagellated green algae these MTOCs organise the whole microtubular system of the cell. In this review the different strategies which are currently employed to evaluate the functional significance of various structures of the flagellar apparatus in green algae are discussed. Emphasis is given to those structures which are not directly engaged in generating the motive force of flagella.
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005407:Flagella / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D009068:Movement; D012399:Rotation