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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cilia and Microvilli?

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Cilia and microvilli are both cellular protrusions, but they serve different functions and have distinct structural features:

Cilia:

  • Cilia are hair-like structures that can be motile or non-motile.
  • They are composed of microtubules, similar to flagella.
  • Cilia help in movement and locomotion, such as in protozoans, and can also be used for sensing external cues.
  • They are longer than microvilli, with lengths between 5-10 micrometers.
  • Cilia are typically found in columnar epithelial cells of the airways and fallopian tubes.

Microvilli:

  • Microvilli are finger-like membrane protrusions found on almost all cell types.
  • They are sustained by the actin cytoskeleton and are non-motile.
  • Microvilli have a glycocalyx layer, which facilitates nutrient absorption.
  • They are shorter than cilia, with a length of about 1 micrometer.
  • Microvilli are primarily found in the columnar epithelial cells of the small intestine and renal tubules.

In summary, cilia are motile hair-like structures involved in movement and sensing, while microvilli are non-motile finger-like projections that enhance nutrient absorption.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cilia and Microvilli?
  • Comparative Table: Cilia vs Microvilli

    • Comparative Table: Cilia vs Microvilli

    Cilia and microvilli are special types of protuberances found on the surface of some eukaryotic cells, serving sensory functions or facilitating absorption. Here is a table summarizing the differences between cilia and microvilli:

    Feature Cilia Microvilli
    Definition Cilia are narrow, long, hair-like structures that arise from the apical surface of cells. Microvilli are microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase the surface area of cells.
    Size Cilia are typically 5 to 10 µm in length and 0.2 µm in diameter. Microvilli are about 1 µm in length.
    Structure Cilia are made up of microtubules. Microvilli are made up of actin filaments.
    Motility Cilia can be motile, moving back and forth to propel fluid in one direction. Microvilli are not motile.
    Ultrastructure Cilia show a 9+2 arrangement in their ultrastructure. Microvilli do not have a definitive ultrastructure.
    Location Cilia can be found on protozoans, respiratory epithelium cells, and other eukaryotic cells. Microvilli are abundantly present on the epithelial cells of the small intestine, where they form "brush borders".

    Both cilia and microvilli are projections of the plasma membrane and are found only in certain cells, serving specific functions.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.