Flagella – Introduction, Structure, Types, Function and FAQ

Introduction of Flagella

Flagella – Introduction: Bacteria are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They move by means of flagella, whiplike projections that extend from the cell surface. The flagella rotate like propellers, providing thrust that enables the bacteria to swim through liquid media.

The bacterial flagellum is a whip-like organelle that protrudes from the cell body and propels the bacterium through its environment. The flagellum is composed of a basal body, a filament, and a motor. The basal body anchors the flagellum to the cell and consists of a protein ring and a motor protein. The filament is a long, helical protein that is threaded through the basal body. The motor protein powers the flagellum by rotating the filament.

The flagellum is important for bacterial motility, which is the ability to move around. Bacteria use the flagellum to move towards or away from stimuli, such as food or toxins. Some bacteria also use the flagellum to move through thick environments, such as mucus or soil.

The flagellum is also important for bacterial virulence, which is the ability to cause disease. Some bacteria use the flagellum to move through the body and invade tissues. Once inside the tissue, the bacteria can cause infection.

Flagella

Flagella are filamentous, whip-like organelles that protrude from the surface of some prokaryotic cells. They are used for locomotion and for the transfer of genetic material from one cell to another.

Flagella are composed of a protein called flagellin. They are about 20 micrometers long and 2 micrometers wide. Flagella are powered by a rotary motor that converts the energy of a proton gradient into mechanical energy.

Types of Flagella

There are three types of flagella:

• Eukaryotic flagella – These are found in cells that have a nucleus, such as animal and plant cells. Eukaryotic flagella are made of protein and are usually about 20 micrometres long.
• Prokaryotic flagella – These are found in cells that lack a nucleus, such as bacteria. Prokaryotic flagella are made of protein and are usually about 5 micrometres long.
• Archaeal flagella – These are found in cells that lack a nucleus, such as archaea. Archaeal flagella are made of protein and are usually about 10 micrometres long.

Parts of Flagella

• The flagellum is a thin, whiplike appendage that protrudes from the surface of some cells.
• It is used for locomotion and to help the cell move through its environment. The flagellum is made up of three parts: the filament, the hook, and the motor.
• The filament is the longest part of the flagellum and is made up of a series of protein chains.
• The hook is a small, curved structure that connects the filament to the motor.
• The motor is a small, spinning disk that powers the flagellum.

Functions

• Flagella are whip-like organelles that protrude from the surface of some bacteria and cells of some eukaryotic organisms. Flagella play a number of critical roles in the biology of these cells.
• Bacteria use flagella for locomotion. The flagella rotate to generate a swimming motion. This motion allows the bacteria to move through fluid environments, such as water or blood, to find food or to escape from predators.
• Cells of eukaryotic organisms also use flagella for locomotion. In these cells, the flagella are often attached to the cell’s nucleus and help to move the nucleus to new positions within the cell. Eukaryotic cells also use flagella to expel waste from the cell.
• Flagella also play a role in the process of cell division. During cell division, the flagella help to move the chromosomes to the new cells.