Chemosensory and Mechanosensory Functions of Olfactory Cilia

Abstract

This review presents the modern understanding of olfactory cilia as organelles that possess both chemosensory and mechanosensory properties. The molecular mechanisms that underlie heterogeneity of both olfactory transduction and locomotor activity in these cilia are described and analyzed. A hypothesis is proposed that explains the extremely high sensitivity of the olfactory system by the contribution of both chemical and mechanical properties of olfactory cilia. The article includes analysis of the literature and original experimental data.