Flagella are long, whip-like structures that protrude from the cell body of certain prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are primarily used for locomotion and can also serve sensory functions.
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Flagella are composed of a protein called flagellin in prokaryotes and tubulin in eukaryotes.
Prokaryotic flagella rotate like a propeller, while eukaryotic flagella have a whip-like motion.
The arrangement and number of flagella can be used to classify bacteria (e.g., monotrichous, lophotrichous, amphitrichous, peritrichous).
Flagella play a crucial role in bacterial pathogenicity by aiding in motility and colonization of host tissues.
Eukaryotic microorganisms such as protozoa also use flagella for movement through their environment.