SF-Assemblin genes in Paramecium: phylogeny and phenotypes of RNAi silencing on the ciliary-striated rootlets and surface organization.

Silencing of SFA genes and Paralog Groups shows no effects on the SR or the cell surface organization. Silencing of the larger Structural Groups has an enormous impact on rows of basal bodies, SRs and cortical units, and SR striations, and length. Misaligned basal bodies have cilia causing the cells to swim in abnormal paths.