Introduction
In animal and plant cells extended structures such as Cilia and Flagella are found that help in locomotion. Together with the process of locomotion, these extended structures contribute to the function that involves, circulation, respiration as well as excretion. Moreover, these are used by organisms for capturing food and also consist of proteins that involve, nexin, tubulin and respiration.
What is Cilia? – Definition and Structure
Cilia are a structure that is both microscopic and appears like short hair and is slender in nature. This structure is stated to grow all over the cell membrane that primarily supports locomotion. However, these structures are found in cells of eukaryotes.
These structures are just like appendages that are attached to the plasma membrane of the cell of an organism. The protein named nexin is said to be present within cilia.
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Types of Cilia
There are two types of cilia found that are found on earth. These constitute both non-motile and motile. The non-motile known as primary cilia, tends to consist of pairs of microtubules that are present at the centre, such as, kinocilia that is found in hair cells. On the other hand, the motile in the respiratory cells that are made up of epithelial tissues.
Function of Cilia
The major function of cilia is to initiate the movement of water that is relative to the cell. However, this movement is conducted depending on the regular movement of the cilia. For single-celled, this is quite common, where cells move through waters. This is also said to function as a sensation in the human body.
What is Flagella? – Definition and Structure
Flagella is said to be the structure that resembles like hair and outgrows from the surface of the cell. This extended structure is found in both the organisms such as in prokaryotes as well as in eukaryotes. These are made out of a protein named flagellin. These structures help in locomotion. In this the protein named nexin is absent.
Types of Flagella
There are three types of flagella found that includes, archaeal flagella followed by bacterial flagella and lastly, eukaryotic flagella. Bacterial flagella are found in bacteria named E. coil and also in Salmonella typhi.
Function of Flagella
Flagella are found to conduct cell movement; however, it is also conducted to make movements that are wave-like in nature. It is also used in chemo taxis a process that is found in organisms.
Difference between Cilia and Flagella
| Basis of comparison | CILIA | FLAGELLA |
|---|---|---|
| Found in – | Are found in the eukaryotic cells | Are found in both the eukaryotic cells as well as prokaryotic cells |
| Quantity | Are found as a hundred per cell | Are found in very less that is less than 10 per cell |
| Length | Are shorter in length | Are longer in length |
| Motion | They show rotational motion and are very fast. | They show motion that is wave-like similar to movements like sinusoidal and undulating and is slow in nature. |
| Beat | Occurs in co-ordination | Occurs independently |
| Roles played | Plays a primary role, that involves, locomotion together with aeration or respiration. | Supports in locomotion. |
| Nexim, the protein | Nexim is present. | Nexim is absent. |
| Place of growth | Grows all around the surface. | Grows at the end as well as grows all around the surface. |
Diseases Caused Due To Improper Functioning of Flagella
Diseases occur in the human body due to the improper functioning of flagella and cilia. The first one is if the cilia that are present within the fallopian tubes do not work properly then it may result in the inability of the fertilized ovum to reach the uterus, thereby resulting in ectopic pregnancy. Male infertility occurs if there lays a dysfunction in the flagellum. PKD or polycystic kidney disease may occur when the primary cilium in the renal tube is defective.