A microorganism may have from one to many flagella. A gram-negative bacteriumHelicobacter pylori, for example, uses its flagella to propel itself through the stomach to reach the mucous lining where it may colonise the epithelium and potentially cause gastritis, and ulcers – a risk factor for stomach cancer.[5] In some swarming bacteria, the flagellum can also function as a sensory organelle, being sensitive to wetness outside the cell.[6]
Across the three domains of Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota, the flagellum has a different structure, protein composition, and mechanism of propulsion but shares the same function of providing motility. The Latin word flagellum means "whip" to describe its lash-like swimming motion. The flagellum in archaea is called the archaellum to note its difference from the bacterial flagellum.[7][8]
Eukaryotic flagella and cilia are identical in structure but have different lengths and functions.[9]Prokaryoticfimbriae and pili are smaller, and thinner appendages, with different functions. Cilia are attached to the surface of flagella and are used to swim or move fluid from one region to another. [10]