What are Flagella?

Flagella are long, thread-like appendages that extend from the surface of a cell. They are used for locomotion and can propel the cell through its environment.

Structure of Flagella

Flagella are composed of a protein called flagellin, which forms a helical structure. The flagellum is anchored to the cell membrane and is powered by a motor protein that allows it to move in a whip-like motion.

Function of Flagella

The primary function of flagella is to enable the cell to move through liquid environments. They propel the cell by rotating in a corkscrew-like motion, generating thrust that propels the cell forward.

Types of Flagella

There are different types of flagella, including bacterial flagella, which are helical filaments that rotate like a propeller, and eukaryotic flagella, which move in a whip-like fashion. Bacterial flagella are rotary and driven by a proton motive force, while eukaryotic flagella are powered by ATP.

Flagella in Biology

Flagella play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as bacterial motility, the movement of sperm cells, and the locomotion of certain algae and protozoa.