Flagella: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

Positioned at #23,664, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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