Question

What are the differences between Microvilli and Cilia?

Answer 1

Cilia are mobile elements and are majorly used for locomotion in organisms like- bacteria and other microorganisms. Microvilli are thin non-motile structures or other membrane protrusions which help in absorption and are present inside the cell on the surface. Cilia follow a rhythmic movement or movement of cells over the object while microvilli just enhance the absorption of nutrients by increasing its surface area.

Complete answer-
The key difference between Microvilli and Cilia are discussed below-

CILIA	MICROVILLI
Cilia referred to motile or mobile structures.	Microvilli are extensions from the cell which help in nutrient absorption.
Cilia are involved in motility.	Microvilli in absorption of food.
Cilia are present independently as one individual structure.	Microvilli are tightly packed on the surface of cells.
Cilia are found in- lungs, middle ear and respiratory tract.	Microvilli are often present in the small intestine and on the surface of white blood cells.
The Cilia function is to keep the ear free from mucus by trapping foreign particles.	They appear as a bunch of brushes on the border of epithelial cells.
Cilia appear as long hair on the apical surface.	Microvilli are cellular protrusions located in a bundle manner.
Cilia are made up of microtubules, the same as flagella.	Basal granules are not present in microvilli.
Cilia can extend up to 5- 10 micrometer.	Microvilli have blunt ends with cylindrical structure.
Cilia are more long than microvilli	Microvilli are shorter than cilia.

Note:
Hence, we knew about the key differences, cilia typically emerged from microtubules while microvilli are microfilaments. Cilia do not have a glycocalyx layer. The Glycocalyx layer is a membrane bound biological macromolecule layer which is highly charged and its function is to create a barrier between cells. Microvilli have a glycocalyx layer which makes it easier to differentiate during absorption.