flagellum

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flagellum (pl. flagella)
1. A thread-like organelle that usually functions in locomotion. Flagella are found on some bacteria and on a range of eukaryotic cells, including those of certain fungi, protozoa, and algae. Bacterial and eukaryotic flagella are very different both in structure and mode of operation. Bacterial flagella rotate; eukaryotic flagella undulate. The eukaryotic flagellum has the more complex structure, and there are two types: the whiplash type, which is smooth and whiplike, and the tinsel type, which bears numerous fine, hair-like projections along its length.

2. In certain liverworts, a slender, filamentous, runner-like stem which carries much-reduced leaves.

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