Difference between Cilia and Flagella

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.

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.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, the focus has been given on effectively exploring the differences that are noticed within the structures of cilia and flagellum. However, the similarities are as well discussed such as they both rise from the basal body. In comparison, it is noticed that cilia are two types, whereas, flagella are of three types that are found on earth. However, the central fibre that is present within these structures is the axoneme.

FAQs

Qns 1. What are the types of flagella that are found on the planet?

Ans. The types of flagella that are found on the planet consist of three types that involve, bacterial flagella, archaeal flagella and eukaryotic flagella. The bacterial flagella are found in Salmonella typhi as well as E.coli. However, they amount to one or two in number. In eukaryotic flagella, these help in bringing movement that is back and forth in nature. Lastly, archaeal flagella, is similar to flagella of the bacteria, however, the flagella have no central channel.

Qns 2. What are the similarities noticed among cilia and flagella?

Ans. The similarities were noticed among cilia and flagella, such as, both arise from the small structure that is granular in nature that is known as the basal body. Both of these are considered as the outgrowth of the cell that is the plasma membrane. In the organisms, such as protozoan and metazoans it assists in capturing food. More to this, it serves as an organ of locomotion and supports excretion, circulation as well as respiration.

Qns 3. What are the types of cilia found?

Ans. They are two types of cilia found on the planet. It includes, non-motile and motile that are found in the human body.