Final answer:
The microtubule formation in cilia and flagella is known as the "9 + 2 array", consisting of nine microtubule doublets around two central singlets. These structures aid in cell movement and are unique to eukaryotic organisms. The centrosome and centrioles play a role in organizing these microtubules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microtubule formation in the cilia and flagella is called a "9 + 2 array". In this structural arrangement, a single flagellum or cilium is made of a ring of nine microtubule doublets surrounding two central microtubule singlets. This structure is essential for the motility functions of these organelles, allowing them to move in wave-like motions or beat rhythmically to move substances across cell surfaces or for locomotion.
Microtubules are the structural components of these organelles, and in animal cells, the microtubule-organizing center is known as the centrosome. The centrioles, part of the centrosome, are closely associated with microtubule organization. Notably, the structure of eukaryotic cilia and flagella is distinct from those in prokaryotes, with the specific "9 + 2 array" being a characteristic of eukaryotic cells. Their motion is based on the sliding of these microtubules against each other, which is facilitated by motor proteins like dynein.