Cytoskeleton and Its Filaments · Zoology

Which protein cross-links the microtubule doublets in cilia to limit sliding and cause a bending motion?

  1. Dynein arms, which generate the sliding force
  2. Nexin links, which connect adjacent doublets
  3. Vinculin, which anchors actin to the membrane
  4. Spectrin, which forms the membrane cytoskeleton
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Correct answer: Nexin links, which connect adjacent doublets

Nexin links connect adjacent outer doublet microtubules in the axoneme. By providing elastic resistance to the sliding generated by dynein arms, nexin converts sliding motion into the bending motion characteristic of ciliary and flagellar beating.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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