The mechanics of cilia and flagella: What we know and what we need to know

Abstract

In this review, we provide a condensed overview of what is currently known about the mechanical functioning of the flagellar/ciliary axoneme. We also present a list of 10 specific areas where our current knowledge is incomplete and explain the benefits of further experimental investigation. Many of the physical parameters of the axoneme and its component parts have not been determined. This limits our ability to understand how the axoneme structure contributes to its functioning in several regards. It restricts our ability to understand how the mechanics of the structure contribute to the regulation of motor function. It also confines our ability to understand the three‐dimensional workings of the axoneme and how various beating modes are accomplished. Lastly, it prevents accurate computational modeling of the axoneme in three‐dimensions.