[Campbell Biology P.144] Based on the Transmission Electron Micrograph TEM of the tracheal c... | Practice Question

Based on the Transmission Electron Micrograph TEM of the tracheal cell and its description, what can be inferred about the orientation of the cilia in the lower portion of the image compared to the upper portion?

  • A: The upper portion shows cilia cut in cross-section, while the lower portion shows them in longitudinal section.
  • B: Both upper and lower portions show cilia cut in cross-section.
  • C: The upper portion shows cilia cut in longitudinal section, while the lower portion shows them in cross-section.
  • D: Both upper and lower portions show cilia cut in longitudinal section.

Explanation

The TEM image's labels directly indicate that the upper part shows a 'Longitudinal section of cilium' cut along their lengths , while the lower part shows a 'Cross section of cilium' cut straight across . This matches the description in the 'Transmission electron microscopy TEM ' paragraph which states that 'some cilia were cut along their lengths, creating longitudinal sections, while other cilia were cut straight across, creating cross sections.'