Flagella
Definition
Flagella are long, whip-like appendages that protrude from the cell body and help in movement. They can be found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Analogy
Think of flagella as the propellers on a boat. Just like how propellers push water to move the boat forward, flagella rotate to propel cells through their environment.
Related terms
Cilia: Shorter, hair-like structures present on the surface of all mammalian cells which move fluid over a cell's surface.
Pseudopodia: Temporary projections of eukaryotic cell membranes or unicellular protists which aid in feeding and locomotion.
Axoneme: The central shaft of a cilium or flagellum, containing microtubules arranged in a characteristic pattern.
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