Bacteria exhibit different arrangements of flagella, which are crucial for their motility. These arrangements are used to classify bacteria and understand their movement. Here's a breakdown of the different types of flagella distribution:
Types of Flagella Distribution in Bacteria
The distribution of flagella around a bacterial cell can be categorized into four main types:
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Monotrichous: This arrangement features a single flagellum located at one end of the bacterial cell.
- Example: Vibrio cholerae
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Amphitrichous: In this type, the bacterium has a single flagellum at each of its two opposite ends.
- Example: Alcaligenes faecalis
-
Lophotrichous: This distribution is characterized by a tuft (or cluster) of flagella located at one pole (end) of the bacterium.
- Example: Spirillum
-
Peritrichous: With peritrichous bacteria, flagella are distributed over the entire surface of the cell.
- Example: Escherichia coli
Summary Table
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Monotrichous | Single flagellum at one end | Vibrio cholerae |
| Amphitrichous | Single flagellum at each end | Alcaligenes faecalis |
| Lophotrichous | Tuft of flagella at one end | Spirillum |
| Peritrichous | Flagella distributed all over the cell surface | Escherichia coli |
