Chapter 3 set 2

How do bacterial flagellum lengthen?

A bacterial flagellum lengthens by growing at its tip. The cell secretes molecules of flagellin thorough the hollow core of the flagellum, to be deposited in a clockwise helix at the tip. Bacterial flagellum react to external wetness, inhibiting their own growth in dry habitats.

What are the most notable structures responsible for bacterial movement?

A cell's motility may enable it to flee from a harmful environment or move toward a favorable environment, such as one where food or light is available. The most notable structures responsible for such bacterial movement are flagella.

How are bacteria flagellar arranged?

Bacteria may have one of several flagellar arrangements.

What are bacterial flagella composed of?

Bacterial flagella are composed of 3 parts; a long hollow filament, a hook, and a basal body.

Define bacterial flagella (singular: flagellum):

Bacterial flagella are long structures that extend beyond the surface of a cell and its glycocalyx and propel the cell through its environment. (A long whip like structure protruding from a cell.)

Define serovars:

Differences in the proteins associated with bacterial flagella vary enough to allow classification of species into groups (strains) called serovars.

How does the filament attach to the hook?

No membrane covers the filament of bacterial flagella. At its base, a filament inserts into a curved structure, the hook, which is composed of a different protein.

Do all bacteria have flagella?

No not all bacteria have flagella, but for those that do, the flagella are very similar in composition, structure, and development.

How is the basal body connected to the cell?

The basal body, which is composed of still different proteins, anchors the filament and hook to the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane by means of a rod and a series of either 2 or 4 rings of integral proteins.

What is the filament and what is it made of?

The filament is a long hollow shaft that extends out into the cell's environment. It is composed of many identical globular molecules of a protein called flagellin.

Together the hook, rod, and rinds allow the filament to what?

Together the hook, rod, and rinds allow the filament to rotate 360 degrees.