flagella
Definition
- Noun (plural form of ):
- In biology: "flagella" are long, slender, whip-like appendages found on certain cells, such as bacteria, protozoa, and sperm cells, used primarily for locomotion. They move in a wave-like pattern to propel the cell through a fluid environment.
- In botany: Some algae and plant reproductive cells (e.g., gametes) also possess flagella for swimming.
Usage Examples
- (The whip-like structures help the cells move.)
- (The tail-like appendage enables movement.)
- (The long, thin extensions were seen.)
Advanced Usage
"to have flagella": to possess these whip-like structures.
- Many motile bacteria have flagella arranged around their cell body. (They have these structures for movement.)
"flagella-driven motility": movement caused by the action of flagella.
- Flagella-driven motility is essential for some pathogens to infect hosts. (The movement powered by flagella is necessary.)
Variants and Related Words
Flagellum (n, singular): a single whip-like appendage.
- Each bacterium has one or more flagella. (Each cell has at least one such structure.)
Flagellate (adj): having one or more flagella.
- Flagellate protozoa are common in aquatic environments. (They possess flagella.)
Flagellation (n): the act of whipping or lashing (in a biological context, the movement of flagella; also used in other contexts like self-flagellation, but not directly related).
Synonyms
- Cilia (n, plural): short, hair-like structures that also aid in movement or sensing, but flagella are typically longer and fewer in number.
- Whip-like appendages: a descriptive synonym for flagella.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms directly use "flagella," as it is a technical term. However, in scientific contexts, the phrase "flagella as motors" may be used metaphorically.
- The flagella act as biological motors, pushing the cell forward. (They function like engines for movement.)