Flagellum
Flagellum provide many bacteria with locomotion, allowing them to respond to a stimulus. They are made up of the protein flagellin which is arranged in eleven helical spirals, creating a hollow cylinder about 10 - 20 nm in diameter[1]. Flagellum rotate on a cirular foundation, using a corkscrew motion rather than a beating motion to propel the cell forward. To study flagellum an electron microscope and metal shadowing is used.
References
- ↑ Green N.P.O et al, Biological Sciences 1&2, 2nd Edition, 1990.