Let me share with you a comparison between Cilia and Flagella.
| Aspect | Cilia | Flagella |
| Introduction | Short, numerous hair-like structures extending from the cell surface. | Longer, usually singular whip-like appendage, protruding from the cell surface. |
| Length | Shorter, typically 2-10 micrometers. | Longer than cilia, ranging from 10-200 micrometers or more. |
| Number per Cell | Many per cell, often covering the entire cell surface. | Usually one or a few per cell. |
| Coordination | Usually coordinated beating in a coordinated, rhythmic manner. | Typically exhibits a whip-like, undulating motion. |
| Axoneme Structure | The central core (axoneme) usually consists of nine pairs of microtubules surrounding a central pair (9+2 arrangement). | The axoneme may have different arrangements, such as the classic 9+2 arrangement or variations. |
| Role in Humans | · Play a crucial role in respiratory mucus clearance and · Helps in the movement of eggs in the female reproductive system. | · Essential for sperm motility, allowing them to swim toward the egg during fertilization. |
| Origin of Motion | Powered by dynein motor proteins sliding adjacent microtubule doublets. | Propelled by the movement of microtubules and dynein motor proteins. |
| Examples | · Found in the respiratory tract (ciliated epithelial cells), oviducts and in various protists. | · Tail of sperm cells · Flagellum of algae · Whip-like appendages of some bacteria |