Question

What are the lateral appendages? Based on their presence and absence write the various types of flagella giving at least one example for each type.

Answer 1

The lateral appendage is an external body part that protrudes from an organism body. Flagella in bacteria is an example of the lateral appendage. They can never be seen under a microscope. They are helical in shape composed of subunits of protein. There are various types of flagella -

Monotrichous - These are single polar flagellum. e.g - Vibrio cholerae.

Amphitrichous- These are present at both ends. E.g- Alkaligegenes faecalis.

Lophotrichous- These are a tuft of flagella present at one or both the ends. E.g- Siprilla spp.

Peritrichous- Here numerous flagella are present all over the body. E.g- E.coli.