What is a key structural difference between bacterial and eukaryotic flagella?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the structural differences between bacterial and eukaryotic flagella and presents multiple choice options to identify a key distinction.
Answer
Eukaryotic flagella are microtubule-based, whereas bacterial flagella are made of flagellin and are external.
A key structural difference between bacterial and eukaryotic flagella is that eukaryotic flagella are microtubule-based structures that are attached to the cell at the cell membrane through basal bodies, whereas bacterial flagella are external, helically shaped structures made of the protein flagellin and are not surrounded by the cell membrane.
Answer for screen readers
A key structural difference between bacterial and eukaryotic flagella is that eukaryotic flagella are microtubule-based structures that are attached to the cell at the cell membrane through basal bodies, whereas bacterial flagella are external, helically shaped structures made of the protein flagellin and are not surrounded by the cell membrane.
More Information
Eukaryotic flagella are involved in various other cellular processes beyond movement, like sensory functions. Bacterial flagella are simpler in structure but crucial for a bacteria's motility and attachment.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the composition and location of flagella in bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Understanding the role of basal bodies and the structure of flagellin is essential.
Sources
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Flagella - AK Lectures - aklectures.com
- Flagellum | Prokaryotic, Bacterial, Motor Protein | Britannica - britannica.com
- Eukaryotic Flagella: Variations in Form, Function, and Composition - academic.oup.com
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