GG cilia have GC-G image by Cambrian Liu Many cells from all
eras of evolution, from bacteria to humans, possess specialized
tails called cilia that can perform a variety of functions. In
bacteria, cilia can be used to provide locomotion and structural
support. In zebrafish, cilia are used to model organs
asymmetrically during the development of the animal. The image
shows a specialized set of neurons (in green) in the mouse's
nose called the Grueneberg ganglion. These neurons, which are
thought to be involved in the sense of smell, possess cilia (in
red) that house proteins directly involved in sensing smells
from the surrounding environment. Unlike cilia found in other
neurons, which stick out from the cell surface, the cilia of the
Grueneberg ganglion follow the contour of the cell, giving a
"wrap-around" impression.