Flagellum

Image

Flagellum

A flagellum (/fləˈdÊ’É›lÉ™m/; plural: flagella) is a lash-like appendage that protrudes from the cell body of certain bacteria and eukaryotic cells termed as flagellates. A flagellate can have one or several flagella. The primary function of a flagellum is that of locomotion, but it also often functions as a sensory organelle, being sensitive to chemicals and temperatures outside the cell. The similar structure in the archaea functions in the same way but is structurally different and has been termed the archaellum.

Flagella are organelles defined by function rather than structure. Flagella vary greatly. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic flagella can be used for swimming but they differ greatly in protein composition, structure, and mechanism of propulsion. The word flagellum in Latin means whip.

An example of a flagellated bacterium is the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori, which uses multiple flagella to propel itself through the mucus lining to reach the stomach epithelium. An example of a eukaryotic flagellate cell is the mammalian sperm cell, which uses its flagellum to propel itself through the female reproductive tract. Eukaryotic flagella are structurally identical to eukaryotic cilia, although distinctions are sometimes made according to function or length. Fimbriae and pili are also thin appendages, but have different functions and are usually smaller.

Journal Focus: Articles related to but not limited to Medical microbiology, pathogenic microbes, Pharmaceutical microbiology (antibiotics, enzymes, vitamins, vaccines) Industrial microbiology, Microbial biotechnology, Plant pathology, Veterinary, Food, Agricultural, Soil, Environmental Microbiology, etc.

Applied Microbiology: Open Access, a broad-based journal was founded on two key tenets: To publish the most exciting researches with respect to the various topics of Microbiology. Secondly, to provide a rapid turn-around time possible for reviewing and publishing and to disseminate the articles freely for research, teaching and reference purposes.

Submit manuscripts at https://www.scholarscentral.org/submission/applied-microbiology-open-access.html or send as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at appliedmicrobiol@microbiologyres.com, appliedmicrobiol@oajournal.org 

Best Regards,`

Stella

Journal Manager

Applied Microbiology Open Access

Email: appliedmicrobiol@oajournal.org