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The centriole is one of the cell's more enigmatic structures. It lives a Jekyll and Hyde existence, changing from the basal body, which seeds the production of cilia and flagellae, into the centriole, in which guise it is of uncertain function. Recent work has indicated the possibility of DNA tightly packed into the structure's core. This finding sheds light on theories of the evolutionary origins of the centriole and of its possible involvement in the evolution of sex. Recent experimental work has been testing this latter possibility.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/0169-5347(90)90029-D

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Ecol Evol

Publication Date

12/1990

Volume

5

Pages

419 - 422