Which of the following is an important function of bacterial flagella?

Which of the following is an important function of bacterial flagella?

• A. Attachment
• B. DNA replication
• C. Locomotion
• D. Ion transport

Answer: (C)

Flagella provide locomotion for bacteria. These whip-like appendages rotate like tiny propellers, pushing the cell through liquid environments and allowing the organism to move toward favorable conditions (such as nutrients) or away from harmful substances—a process known as chemotaxis. The energy fueling rotation comes from the proton motive force across the cell membrane, not from processes like DNA replication or ion transport. Attachment to surfaces is mainly achieved by other structures such as fimbriae or pili, not flagella. So the key role of bacterial flagella is enabling movement, i.e., locomotion.

Flagella provide locomotion for bacteria. These whip-like appendages rotate like tiny propellers, pushing the cell through liquid environments and allowing the organism to move toward favorable conditions (such as nutrients) or away from harmful substances—a process known as chemotaxis. The energy fueling rotation comes from the proton motive force across the cell membrane, not from processes like DNA replication or ion transport. Attachment to surfaces is mainly achieved by other structures such as fimbriae or pili, not flagella. So the key role of bacterial flagella is enabling movement, i.e., locomotion.