flagellum (redirected from Flagellae)

flagellum

The bacterium Proteus vulgaris (greatly magnified) showing flagella

(credit: © Lee D. Simon—Photo Researchers)

Hairlike structure that acts mainly as an organelle of movement in the cells of many living organisms. Characteristic of the protozoan group Mastigophora, flagella also occur on the sex cells of algae, fungi (see fungus), mosses, and slime molds. Flagellar motion causes water currents necessary for respiration and circulation in sponges and cnidarians. Most motile bacteria move by means of flagella. The structures and patterns of movement of flagella in prokaryotes differ from those in eukaryotes. See also cilium.

---

flagellum

1. Biology a long whiplike outgrowth from a cell that acts as an organ of locomotion: occurs in some protozoans, gametes, spores, etc.

2. Botany a long thin supple shoot or runner

3. Zoology the terminal whiplike part of an arthropod's appendage, esp of the antenna of many insects