Flagellate

Flagellate is a term that describes organisms, particularly protozoa, that move using a whip-like appendage known as a flagellum. The flagellum is a key component of these organisms, allowing them to navigate their environment in search of food or to escape from harmful conditions.

Structure and Function of Flagella

A flagellum is a long, slender projection from the cell body. It is composed of a protein called flagellin and is surrounded by a plasma membrane. The flagellum is anchored to the cell body by a basal body, which also serves as the motor for the flagellum. The movement of the flagellum propels the organism through its environment.

Flagellates can have one or more flagella, depending on the species. Some flagellates, such as the Trypanosoma species, have a single flagellum, while others, like the Giardia species, have multiple flagella.

Types of Flagellates

There are many different types of flagellates, including both free-living and parasitic species. Some of the most well-known flagellates include:

• Trypanosoma: This genus includes species that cause serious diseases in humans, such as African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease.
• Giardia: This genus includes species that cause giardiasis, a common cause of diarrheal illness worldwide.
• Leishmania: This genus includes species that cause leishmaniasis, a disease that can result in skin sores and damage to internal organs.

Flagellates and Disease

Many flagellates are parasites, meaning they live inside a host organism and can cause disease. Diseases caused by flagellates can range from mild to severe and can affect various parts of the body, including the digestive tract, the circulatory system, and the skin.

See Also

• Protozoa
• Parasitology
• Microbiology

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  Illustration of various flagellates by Ernst Haeckel
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  Microscopic view of Giardia lamblia
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  Chlamydomonas under 10000x magnification
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  Flagellate