What is a flagellum?

What is a flagellum?

• A. Cilia
• B. Microvilli
• C. Pili
• D. Flagella

Answer: (D)

A flagellum is a long, whip-like projection that enables a cell to move. In many bacteria, flagella rotate like tiny propellers, powered by a motor at the cell surface, pushing the cell through liquid. In some eukaryotic cells, flagella beat in a whip-like manner to propel the cell forward. This flagellum is different from cilia, which are shorter and more numerous and often move fluids across a surface or the cell itself; microvilli are small, finger-like extensions that increase surface area for absorption and don’t move the cell; pili are hair-like structures used for attachment or DNA transfer, not locomotion.

A flagellum is a long, whip-like projection that enables a cell to move. In many bacteria, flagella rotate like tiny propellers, powered by a motor at the cell surface, pushing the cell through liquid. In some eukaryotic cells, flagella beat in a whip-like manner to propel the cell forward. This flagellum is different from cilia, which are shorter and more numerous and often move fluids across a surface or the cell itself; microvilli are small, finger-like extensions that increase surface area for absorption and don’t move the cell; pili are hair-like structures used for attachment or DNA transfer, not locomotion.