[Campbell Biology P.164] Which of the following statements accurately describes the differen... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference in motion between flagella and motile cilia?

  • A: Flagella undulate to propel the cell in the same direction as its axis, while cilia perform a back-and-forth motion to move the cell perpendicular to its axis.
  • B: Both flagella and cilia perform a snakelike undulating motion, but cilia are faster.
  • C: Flagella move cells perpendicular to their axis, whereas cilia move cells parallel to their axis.
  • D: Cilia use a power stroke to move the cell parallel to its axis, followed by a recovery stroke.

Explanation

Flagellar motion is described as undulatory and snakelike, propelling the cell in the same direction as the flagellum's axis. Ciliary motion is described as back-and-forth, with a rapid power stroke moving the cell perpendicular to the cilium's axis, and a slower recovery stroke bending sideways.