Question

What is the difference between cilia and flagella?

Answer 1

Cilia:

1. Cilia are microtubules that are hair-like organelles.
2. They extend from the surface of eukaryotic cells.
3. Cilia are made from microtubules coated by the plasma membrane.
4. The function performed by cilia involves locomotion and sensory functions.

Flagella:

1. Flagella is a hair-like structure found in the cells of many living creatures that serves primarily as a locomotion organelle.
2. They are found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
3. The flagella is a helical-shaped structure made up of the flagellin protein.
4. Motility and mobility are functions performed by flagella.

Cilia	Flagella
Cilia are short, hair-like structures.	Flagella are long, whip-like structures.
They move in a synchronized, specified direction.	They move in a propeller-like, whiplash movement.
Cilia are found only in eukaryotic cells.	Flagella are found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Cilia are found in the lining of the respiratory canal, fallopian tubes, olfactory epithelium, and along the outer surface of cells.	Flagella are found in most bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic parasites, and sperms.
Cilia occur throughout the cell.	Flagella are found at only one end of the cell.
Hundreds of cilia are present in one cell	Few flagella are present per cell - usually 1 to 8.