Bacterial flagella are __________ .


a. anchored to the cell by a basal body
b. composed of hami
c. surrounded by an extension of the cytoplasmic membrane
d. composed of tubulin in hollow microtubules in a "9 + 2" arrangement

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and function of bacterial flagella.
2. Recall that bacterial flagella are responsible for motility and are different from eukaryotic flagella.
3. Identify the components of bacterial flagella: filament, hook, and basal body.
4. Recognize that the basal body anchors the flagellum to the cell wall and membrane.
5. Compare the options given and determine which one correctly describes the anchoring of bacterial flagella.

Key Concepts

Structure of Bacterial Flagella

Bacterial flagella are long, whip-like appendages that enable motility in bacteria. They are anchored to the cell membrane by a structure known as the basal body, which is embedded in the cell envelope. This anchoring allows the flagella to rotate, propelling the bacterium through its environment.

Composition of Flagella

Unlike eukaryotic flagella, which are composed of tubulin arranged in a '9 + 2' microtubule structure, bacterial flagella are primarily made of a protein called flagellin. This difference in composition is crucial for understanding the distinct mechanisms of movement and structural properties between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cytoplasmic Membrane and Flagella

In bacteria, the flagella are not surrounded by an extension of the cytoplasmic membrane as seen in eukaryotic cells. Instead, they extend from the cell surface and are directly anchored to the cell wall and membrane, allowing for efficient movement without the need for a membrane sheath.