Question

How do cilia and flagella differ?

Short answer

Cilia and flagella differ in length, number, motion and beating pattern.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Cilia and flagella are organelles whose primary function is locomotion. They are structurally similar, having an axoneme with 11 microtubules that are connected to the plasma membrane. The microtubules are arranged in a 9+2 pattern. This pattern refers to a ring of 9 pairs of microtubules encircling two single microtubules. However, they differ in number, length, beating pattern, and type of motion.

Explanation

CILIA	FLAGELLA
They are short hair-like structures found in eukaryotic cells that protrude from the cell body that help in the movement of either the cell or the fluid.	They are long hair-like structures located in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic flagella are located outside the plasma membrane whereas eukaryotic flagella are embedded in the cell membrane.
They are usually large in number.	A cell can have either one or a few flagella.
They are present throughout the cell surface.	They are usually found at one end of the cell surface.
Cilia beat in a coordinated rhythm either in a synchronous or metachronous fashion.	Flagella move independently of each other.
Cilia beat very fast in a rotatory manner.	Flagella beat in a wave-like manner and are slower than cilia.
They are found in eukaryotic cells.	They are found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Apart from locomotion, they aid in feeding and protection.	The main function is only locomotion.