Answer #1

Flagella and cilia are supplementary parts of all living cells. Flagella are used by male sperm cells for propelling themselves during fertilization. Cilia assist in curbing the build up of toxins like dust particles in our airways through creating a light mucous layer along the breathing tubes.
1. Uses
Various living things use these supplementary organs for varying reasons. Paramecium uses them to swim, while mussels normally use them to feed. A fascinating use for both flagella and cilia is for mating. Cilia are used by snails for passing food throughout their digestive system and clams use cilia for transporting oxygen and food. Flagella are mostly present in gametes. Coelenterates and sponges are assisted by flagella to do their respiratory duties.
2. Size
Flagella are characteristically larger in size, while cilia are smaller or shorter. Furthermore, cilia exist like small hair structures, which help cover a body cell and assist propelling it through fluid. Normally cells require one or two flagella for assisting in transportation through fluid.
3. Movement
Cilia move in a way that can be linked to the swimming style commonly called breast stroke. Conversely, flagella have a different movement method as they move like oars do when rowing a boat. Cilia can be located in multi cellular living things to assist in the movement of fluids beyond immobile cells. They also assist to move groups of cells.
4. Energy source
You may be wondering where these two supplementary organs gain their energy for moving through fluid. Cilia utilize a molecule known as kinesin that is responsible for performing the ATPase activity to produce energy. This energy is the used to assist cilia in doing all its activities like moving cells through fluids. However, flagella comprises of more cells, hence they are moved by the cell’s plasma membrane.
Flagella are therefore vital for production while cilia are helpful for maintaining proper respiratory function.

Answered By: daniel [554 ]