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Glite Dictionary
axoneme

axoneme

1 9.9
Long thin structure inside a cell's tiny hair or tail that makes it move
  • noun
  • /ˈæksəˌniːm/
  • Specialized
: axonema
  • Scientists discovered that defects in the axoneme can lead to impaired cell mobility and various respiratory issues.

Examples

  • The movement of the sperm cell is powered by the axoneme, which provides the necessary structural framework.

  • Moreover, changes in the axoneme, basal bodies, and ciliary rootlets are associated with dyskinesia and mucostasis.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Each cilium's beating motion relies on the axoneme, which is essential for its effective function in cell movement.

Surface Forms

axoneme singular
axonemes plural

Morphology

axoneme = axon (opaque) = axon + eme

Although built from the combining form 'axon' plus the technical combining suffix '-eme', the specialized cellular meaning 'central core of a cilium or flagellum' is not predictable for an average learner.

Etymology

Axoneme comes from Greek parts axon meaning 'axis' or 'axle' and nema meaning 'thread'. So the axoneme is the 'central thread' or 'axis' inside the tiny hair or tail on a cell that helps it move.