Force Exerted by a Single Cilium of Mytilus Edulis. I

Abstract

1. A bending balance made of a flexible glass micro-needle was prepared, and its bending characteristic was determined by direct matching with calibrated needles. 2. The force produced by a large abfrontal cilium of Mytilus was measured by allowing the bending balance to arrest the effective stroke of the cilium. 3. The bending force generated by the cilium is described in terms of a torque, referred to the base of the cilium, amounting to 2-8 x 10^-7dyne.cm. (mean, 4 x 10^-7 dyne.cm.).