158k views
4 votes
Which way does flagella move to have smooth forward motion/swimming?

a) Clockwise
b) Counterclockwise
c) Side to side
d) Randomly

User Salw
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Flagella move in a counterclockwise direction for smooth forward motion or swimming in bacteria, known as a run. Clockwise rotation causes random movement called tumbling, which is not suitable for smooth swimming.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacteria achieve smooth forward motion, or swimming when their flagella rotate in a counterclockwise direction. This counterclockwise rotation causes the flagella to bundle together, propelling the bacterium forward in a movement referred to as a run. In contrast, when flagella rotates clockwise, this leads to a tumble, which is a random and circuitous movement that does not result in meaningful forward displacement but serves to reorient the bacterium.

Therefore, to have smooth forward motion/swimming, flagella must move in a counterclockwise direction (Option b). This mode of motion is especially prominent in bacteria responding to environmental signals, such as chemical gradients in a process known as chemotaxis, where cells increase the length of their runs to move toward an attractant and decrease the length of tumbles.

User Sushim Mukul Dutta
by
8.6k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories