kinetosome

(basal body, blepharoplast) A cylindrical structure in the cytoplasm from which a flagellum or cilium arises in motile eukaryotic cells. It is composed of a cylinder of nine microtubules linked by fine crossbridges. It transfers ATP and possibly other materials to the fibres in the shaft of the flagellum or cilium. Striated fibrous extensions, termed rootlet fibres, may arise from the basal body and project backwards into the cytoplasm. These probably serve to anchor the flagellum.