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.