**The Coordinated Movement of Rows of Cilia and the Steering of Water Laden with Food into the Gullet**

Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures that can be found on the surface of some cells, including certain types of cells lining the respiratory tract, reproductive system, and the gills of aquatic organisms. These cilia have a coordinated movement that helps in various physiological processes, including the steering of water laden with food into the gullet.

**Structure and Function of Cilia:**
Cilia are composed of microtubules and are anchored to the cell surface by a basal body. They have a characteristic 9+2 arrangement, meaning there are nine peripheral microtubule doublets surrounding a central pair. The coordinated movement of these microtubules allows cilia to beat in a rhythmic motion.

Cilia serve several functions, including the movement of mucus and other substances in the respiratory tract, the propulsion of sperm cells, and the generation of water currents in aquatic organisms for feeding and respiration.

**Water Flow and Food Capture:**
Aquatic organisms, such as certain species of filter-feeding organisms, rely on the coordinated movement of cilia to create water currents that direct food particles toward their mouths. This process is crucial for the organisms to capture and ingest food efficiently.

**Formation of Water Currents:**
1. **Ciliary Beating:** The cilia on the surface of the organism beat in a synchronized pattern, creating a wave-like motion that propels water along their surfaces.
2. **Water Movement:** As the cilia beat, they create a flow of water adjacent to the organism's body surface.
3. **Water Currents:** The collective movement of many cilia generates water currents that flow towards the organism's mouth or gullet.

**Steering Food into the Gullet:**
1. **Food Suspended in Water:** The water surrounding the organism contains suspended food particles or small organisms.
2. **Water Currents and Food:** As the cilia create water currents, the suspended food particles are carried along with the flow of water.
3. **Directing Towards Gullet:** The coordinated movement of the cilia ensures that the water currents steer the food particles toward the organism's mouth or gullet.
4. **Capture and Ingestion:** Once the food particles are directed into the gullet, they can be captured and ingested, allowing the organism to obtain nutrients for survival.

In conclusion, the coordinated movement of rows of cilia creates water currents that steer water laden with food particles into the gullet. This mechanism allows aquatic organisms to efficiently capture and ingest food necessary for their survival.

This movement occurs in cilliated protozoans . like paramecium.