Axoneme (Rhizoplast)
The axoneme is an internal fibrillar structure in flagellated protozoa, arising from a blepharoplast and extending through the cytoplasm. It forms the core structure that supports a flagellum.
An axoneme may extend beyond the cell as a flagellum, or it may run along the surface of the organism, lifting the cell membrane (periplast) to create an undulating membrane.
Why it matters: Flagellar structures are central to protozoan motility and are commonly used features in identification and classification.
