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A flagellum (/ f l ə ˈ dʒ ɛ l əm /; pl.: flagella) (Latin for 'whip' or 'scourge') is a hair-like appendage that protrudes from certain plant and animal sperm cells, from fungal spores (), and from a wide range of microorganisms to provide motility.
Flagella in eukaryotes are supported by microtubules in a characteristic arrangement, with nine fused pairs surrounding two central singlets. These arise from a basal body. In some flagellates, flagella direct food into a cytostome or mouth, where food is ingested. Flagella role in classifying eukaryotes.
Examples range from the propulsion of single cells such as the swimming of spermatozoa to the transport of fluid along a stationary layer of cells such as in a respiratory tract. Though eukaryotic flagella and motile cilia are ultrastructurally identical, the beating pattern of the two organelles can be different.
Examples range from the propulsion of single cells such as the swimming of spermatozoa to the transport of fluid along a stationary layer of cells such as in a respiratory tract. Though eukaryotic flagella and motile cilia are ultrastructurally identical, the beating pattern of the two organelles can be different.
They have a ribbon-like transverse flagellum with multiple waves that beats to the cell's left, and a more conventional one, the longitudinal flagellum, that beats posteriorly. [18] [19] [20] The transverse flagellum is a wavy ribbon in which only the outer edge undulates from base to tip, due to the action of the axoneme which runs along it ...
[2]: 396 The bacterial flagellum is the best known example. [25] [26] About half of all known bacteria have at least one flagellum; thus, given the ubiquity of bacteria, rotation may in fact be the most common form of locomotion used by living systems—though its use is restricted to the microscopic environment. [27]
Movement of the flagellum draws water through the collar, and bacteria and detritus are captured by the microvilli and ingested. [13] Water currents generated by the flagellum also push free-swimming cells along, as in animal sperm. In contrast, most other flagellates are pulled by their flagella. [citation needed]
A key feature of the genus is its two anterior flagella, each as long as the other. [8] The flagellar microtubules may each be disassembled by the cell to provide spare material to rebuild the other's microtubules if they are damaged. [11] Cell wall is made up of a glycoprotein and non-cellulosic polysaccharides instead of cellulose.