Mesh term Flagella
Browse to parent terms:Cell Surface Extensions
Description
A whiplike motility appendage present on the surface cells. Prokaryote flagella are composed of a protein called FLAGELLIN. Bacteria can have a single flagellum, a tuft at one pole, or multiple flagella covering the entire surface. In eukaryotes, flagella are threadlike protoplasmic extensions used to propel flagellates and sperm. Flagella have the same basic structure as CILIA but are longer in proportion to the cell bearing them and present in much smaller numbers. (From King and Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed)Browse to child terms:
Sperm Tail
Search for this term in our Faculty Database
View this term at the NCBI website
