Question

Basal bodies of cilia and flagella are derived from
A. Plasma membrane
B. Genes
C. Centrioles
D. Lysosomes

Answer 1

Cilia or flagella can be found on many microorganisms and cell types. These are hair-like or whip-like structures that project from the cell wall into the external environment. The primary functions of cilia and flagella are to propel a motile cell, move external materials around a fixed cell or to act as non-motile sensory elements. Both the cilia and flagella have the same basic structure and the only difference is that flagella are comparatively longer than cilia.

Complete answer:
Option A - Plasma membrane: The membrane found in all cells which separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment is known as plasma membrane or cell membrane. In bacterial and plant cells, the cell wall is linked to the plasma membrane on the exterior surface. Basal bodies of cilia and flagella are not derived from plasma membranes.
Hence option A is not correct.
Option B - Genes: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity is known as the gene. They are made up of DNA. Most genes act as instructions to make protein molecules. But there are many genes which do not code for proteins. Basal bodies of cilia and flagella are not derived from genes.
Hence option B is not correct.
Option C - Centrioles: A centriole is a basal body, which is of cylinder-shaped structure that is composed of microtubules. It contains up to $13$ protofilaments which surrounds a hollow center. Basal bodies are the organelles that are essential to form cilia and flagella. Polymers of the protein tubulin are known as the protofilaments.
Hence option C is the correct answer.
Option D - Lysosomes: These are membrane-bound cell organelle which contains digestive enzymes. Lysosomes mainly functions to break down excess or worn-out cell parts. These organelles can also destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Basal bodies of cilia and flagella are not formed from lysosomes.
Hence option D is not correct.

Hence, Option C - Centrioles is the correct answer.

Note:
Centrioles are mostly found in eukaryotic cells. Pericentriolar materials are bound pairs of centrioles, which are surrounded by a highly ordered mass of dense material, that makes up a structure known as centrosome. The movement of cilia and flagella are due to the interactions of a set of microtubules inside. These are collectively called an ‘axoneme’.