An axostyle is a sheet of

microtubule Microtubules are polymers of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton and provide structure and shape to eukaryotic cells. Microtubules can be as long as 50 micrometres, as wide as 23 to 27 nm and have an inner diameter between 11 an ...

s found in certain

protist A protist () is any eukaryotic organism (that is, an organism whose cells contain a cell nucleus) that is not an animal, plant, or fungus. While it is likely that protists share a common ancestor (the last eukaryotic common ancestor), the exc ...

s. It arises from the bases of the flagella, sometimes projecting beyond the end of the cell, and is often flexible or contractile, and so may be involved in movement and provides support for the cell. Axostyles originate in association with a flagellar microtubular root and occur in two groups, the

oxymonad The Oxymonads (or Oxymonadida) are a group of flagellated protozoa found exclusively in the intestines of termites and other wood-eating insects. Along with the similar parabasalid flagellates, they harbor the symbiotic bacteria that are responsi ...

s and

parabasalid The parabasalids are a group of flagellated protists within the supergroup Excavata. Most of these eukaryotic organisms form a symbiotic relationship in animals. These include a variety of forms found in the intestines of termites and cockroaches ...

s; they have different structures and are not homologous. Within

Trichomonad Trichomonadida is an order of anaerobic protists, included with the parabasalids. Members of this order are referred to as trichomonads. Some organisms in this order include: *'' Trichomonas vaginalis'', an organism living inside the vagina of ...

s the axostyle has been theorised to participate in locomotion and cell adhesion, but also karyokinesis during cell division.

References

{{Protist Cell biology