Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Flagella

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Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Flagella

Cellular Organization:
- Prokaryotic Flagella:
  - Found in bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli).
  - Lack membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus.
  - Flagella are rotary and extend from the cell surface.
- Eukaryotic Flagella:
  - Found in eukaryotic cells, such as those in algae or animal cells.
  - Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
  - Flagella are whip-like extensions projecting from the cell surface.
Flagellar Structure:
- Prokaryotic Flagella:
  - Consist of a helical filament, a hook, and a basal body.
  - The basal body is embedded in the cell envelope and rotates to propel the bacterium.
- Eukaryotic Flagella:
  - Composed of microtubule-based structures arranged in a "9+2" pattern.
  - Axoneme, composed of microtubules, is enclosed in the cell membrane.
Movement Mechanism:
- Prokaryotic Flagella:
  - Rotation of the basal body generates a corkscrew-like motion, propelling the bacterium forward.
  - Rotational movement is driven by the flow of ions across the cell membrane.
- Eukaryotic Flagella:
  - Beating or undulating motion is facilitated by the sliding movement between microtubule doublets.
  - Dynein arms generate force, causing microtubules to slide against each other.
Number and arrangement:
- Prokaryotic Flagella:
  - Bacteria typically have multiple flagella arranged in different patterns (e.g., peritrichous, polar, and lophotrichous).
  - The numbers and arrangements vary depending on the bacterial species.
- Eukaryotic Flagella:
  - Usually, eukaryotic cells possess one or a few flagella.
  - The number and arrangement depend on the specific organism or cell type.
Energy Source for Movement:
- Prokaryotic Flagella:
  - Powered by the proton motive force generated by the flow of protons across the cell membrane.
- Eukaryotic Flagella:
  - Powered by ATP hydrolysis, with energy provided by cellular metabolism.

In summary, prokaryotic and eukaryotic flagella differ in terms of cellular organization, structural composition, movement mechanism, number, arrangement, and the energy source for their movement. Prokaryotic flagella are rotary and powered by the proton motive force, while eukaryotic flagella exhibit undulating motion and are powered by ATP hydrolysis.