Flagella

Flagella are whip-like appendages that protrude from the surface of certain cells. They are primarily used for locomotion, allowing the cell to move through its environment. Flagella are found in a variety of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic cells.

Structure of Flagella

Flagella are composed of a protein called flagellin, which forms a helical structure. The flagellum is anchored to the cell by a basal body, which acts as a motor to rotate the flagellum and propel the cell forward. The basal body is embedded in the cell membrane and cell wall, providing stability and support for the flagellum.

Types of Flagella

There are two main types of flagella: bacterial flagella and eukaryotic flagella. Bacterial flagella are helical filaments that rotate like a propeller, allowing the bacterium to move in a specific direction. Eukaryotic flagella, found in organisms such as protozoa and sperm cells, have a whip-like motion that propels the cell through its environment.

Function of Flagella

The primary function of flagella is locomotion. By rotating the flagellum, the cell can move through its environment, allowing it to find nutrients, escape from harmful substances, or locate a suitable mating partner. In addition to locomotion, flagella may also be involved in sensory functions, allowing the cell to detect changes in its environment.

Flagella in Biology

Flagella play a crucial role in the biology of many organisms. In bacteria, flagella are essential for chemotaxis, which is the movement of the bacterium in response to certain chemicals. In eukaryotic organisms, flagella are involved in processes such as fertilization, where sperm cells use flagella to swim towards the egg.

Study Guide

What is the composition of flagella?
Describe the structure of the basal body in relation to flagella.
Differentiate between bacterial flagella and eukaryotic flagella in terms of motion.
Explain the primary function of flagella in cells.
Discuss the role of flagella in bacterial chemotaxis.

◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Forces - Set I

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICS

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

Identify and analyze forces responsible for changes in rotational motion and develop an understanding of the effect of rotational inertia on the motion of a rotating object (e.g., merry-go-round, spinning toy, spinning figure skater, stellar collapse [supernova], rapidly spinning pulsar).