Which structure is a whip-like appendage used for locomotion in certain cells (for example, sperm cell)?

Which structure is a whip-like appendage used for locomotion in certain cells (for example, sperm cell)?

• A. Flagella
• B. Cilia
• C. Pseudopod
• D. Microvilli

Answer: (A)

Flagella are long, whip-like tails that cells use to swim through liquid. In sperm, the flagellum beats in wave-like motions powered by motor proteins along an axoneme made of microtubules, which propels the cell forward. This motion is different from cilia, which are shorter and cover surfaces to move fluid or the cell; pseudopods, which are blob-like extensions used for crawling; and microvilli, which are non-motile projections that increase surface area for absorption.

Flagella are long, whip-like tails that cells use to swim through liquid. In sperm, the flagellum beats in wave-like motions powered by motor proteins along an axoneme made of microtubules, which propels the cell forward. This motion is different from cilia, which are shorter and cover surfaces to move fluid or the cell; pseudopods, which are blob-like extensions used for crawling; and microvilli, which are non-motile projections that increase surface area for absorption.