Treatment of isolated spermaxonemes with 0.6 M NaClhas been shown to selectively remove the outer arms from the A microtubules of the axoneme, leaving the inner arms in place. What would be the most likely effect on the NaCl-treated axoneme when ATP was added to the medium?
A)The axoneme would fall apart completely.
B)The axonemes would beat at about half the rate of the intact axoneme.
C)The central microtubules would disassemble leaving the rest of the axoneme intact.
D)The axoneme would be solubilized.
E)Every element of the axoneme would be permanently cross-linked.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The outer arms are responsible for producing the power stroke during axonemal movement, while the inner arms maintain the structural integrity of the axoneme. Thus, removal of the outer arms would result in a reduction in motility, but the axoneme would still maintain its overall structure. Addition of ATP would allow the axonemes to engage the inner arms and try to generate some movement, resulting in a reduced beating rate compared to the intact axoneme.

Treatment of Isolated Spermaxonemes with 0