Question

The sequential movement of cilia, in a longitudinal row, one after the other in one direction is called

• A. Undulation movement
• B. Synchronous movement
• C. Metachronous movement
• D. Effective stroke

Hint:

Metachronous movement = wave-like sequential ciliary beating.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding ciliary movement.
Cilia are hair-like structures present on the surface of certain cells. They help in locomotion or movement of substances. Their coordinated beating produces organized movement.

Step 2: Types of ciliary motion.
Cilia may move in different patterns such as synchronous, asynchronous, or sequential patterns. These patterns depend on the coordination between adjacent cilia.

Step 3: Meaning of synchronous movement.
In synchronous movement, all cilia beat at the same time. This produces uniform but not wave-like progression of movement.

Step 4: Meaning of metachronous movement.
Metachronous movement refers to cilia beating one after another in a wave-like sequence. This creates a coordinated wave travelling in one direction.

Step 5: Biological significance.
Metachronous movement increases efficiency in moving fluids or particles across cell surfaces. It ensures smooth directional transport.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, sequential movement of cilia in one direction is called metachronous movement.