Anatomy

Flagella

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 & Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed)

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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 & Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed)

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Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Flagellum

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Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, drug effects, enzymology, genetics, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

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History Note

65(64)

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NLM Classification

QW 51

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References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Flagella. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D005407. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D005407
  2. Flagella. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagellum
  3. Flagella. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189998