Flagella Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flagella
[fləˈdʒɛlə ]
Definition
biological structure
Flagella are long, whip-like structures that extend from the surface of many types of cells. These appendages are primarily used for mobility, allowing organisms to swim in liquid environments. Flagella are found in various organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and sperm cells. The movement of flagella is typically characterized by a wave-like motion, which propels the cell forward.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The sperm cell moved towards the egg using its flagella.
- Many bacteria use flagella to navigate through liquid media.
- Protozoa are often equipped with flagella for locomotion.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Many single-celled organisms, such as sperm and certain bacteria, use flagella to propel themselves through liquid environments.
- Flagella are typically made of a protein called flagellin, and their movement is powered by a molecular motor that converts energy into motion.
Medicine
- In microbiology, some pathogens like the bacteria that cause cholera utilize flagella to move, making them virulent or harmful.
- Understanding how flagella work can help in devising treatments for diseases caused by motile bacteria.
Technology
- The structure and motion of flagella inspire designs in micro-robotics, where engineers mimic their movement for medical applications.
- Studying flagella has led to advancements in nanotechnology, as scientists explore how to replicate their efficient swimming methods.
Evolutionary Biology
- The evolution of flagella is a significant topic, as it shows how organisms adapted to aquatic environments for mobility and survival.
- Some theories suggest that flagella evolved from ancient structures, indicating a complex evolutionary history for movement in microorganisms.
Origin of 'flagella'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'flagellum', which means 'whip' or 'scourge', reflecting their whip-like movement.
- In scientific classification, 'flagella' is the plural form of 'flagellum', which is used to describe these structures across various organisms.
The term 'flagella' is derived from the Latin word 'flagellum,' which means 'whip.' This reflects the structure's slender, elongated shape that resembles a whip. The use of the term in biological contexts has been documented since the mid-19th century, particularly as scientists began to understand cellular anatomy and the various ways in which cells are able to move. Advances in microscopy allowed for the observation of these structures in living organisms, leading to a deeper understanding of their functions. As research progressed, the study of flagella became essential in microbiology, contributing to our knowledge of motility in different cell types, particularly in microbial pathogens and reproductive cells.