No, cilia are not a protein, but rather complex organelles composed of many different proteins.
Understanding Cilia and Their Composition
Cilia are evolutionarily conserved cellular organelles found in many eukaryotic cells. They play crucial roles in various biological processes. While not a single protein, cilia are built from numerous proteins working together.
Cilia: More Than Just One Protein
According to Pazour et al. (2005), as cited in the provided reference, cilia are complex organelles composed of at least 600 different proteins organized around a microtubule-based projection called the axoneme. This diverse protein composition allows cilia to perform their functions effectively.
Key Takeaway
Cilia are intricate structures assembled from a multitude of proteins, not a protein themselves. These proteins work in concert to give cilia their structure and function.