An approach to digital image analysis of bending shapes of eukaryotic flagella and cilia

A novel method of digital image analysis of the bends of eukaryotic flagella and cilia was devised. In the analysis system, all image pixels were systematically extracted and processed to measure angular direction and curvature. Simulation experiments on theoretical model pictures of flagella with sine‐generated or arcstraight line bending waves demonstrated that the method can be used with considerable high accuracy. This method then revealed abrupt changes in slope of the curvature in sperm flagella and embryo cilia of the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. This indicates that the digital image processing used may be helpful in the study of flagellar and ciliary movements.