Cilia Assembly

Cilia assembly is the process by which tiny, hair-like structures called cilia are formed and develop on the surface of cells. Cilia play important roles in movement and sensing the environment. The process begins with the creation of a central organizing structure called the basal body, which anchors the cilium. From this base, microtubules—structural fibers made of protein—grow outward, forming the cilium's core. The assembly involves transporting building blocks to the growing tip and coordinating their organization. Proper cilia assembly ensures the cells can move fluids, detect signals, and perform various specialized functions essential for health.