The cilia and flagella arise from

(A) Basal bodies

(B) Basal granules

(C) Blepharoplasts

(D) All of the above

The cilia and flagella originate from a structure called the basal body. The basal body is also known as the basal granule, kinetosome, or, in older cytological references, the blepharoplast. It is a protein-based structure located at the base of a eukaryotic cilium or flagellum and acts as the foundation for the growth of axoneme microtubules.

Additional Information:

• Cilia and flagella are projections extending from the cell surface.
• They are composed of microtubules and covered by the cell membrane.
• Their primary function is movement—either propelling the cell itself or moving substances (like mucus or fluid) across the cell’s surface.
• Both have a similar internal structure, but differ mainly in length.
• Movement occurs due to the coordinated interaction of microtubules within the axoneme (the central shaft).
• Within the axoneme, pairs of microtubules form doublets, though one tubule in each pair is incomplete.

Therefore, the correct answer is: “All of the above.”