21 Difference between Cilia and Flagella (With Table)

Living things have cell organelles. These organelles play a crucial role in various cellular functions. Cilia and flagella are external structures found on these cell organelles.

These external structures help to enhance locomotion in cells. Besides that, these external structures in cells play a vital role during respiration, excretion, capturing of food, and circulation.

So, what is the main difference between cilia and flagella? The former prevents accumulation of dust inside the breathing tubes while the latter help to propel sperm cell through the female reproductive system.

But many learners find it hard to differentiate these locomotory structures. This article provides a detailed explanation of the differences between cilia and flagella in tabular form.

Difference between Cilia and Flagella

Comparison Table (Cilia vs Flagella)

Basic Terms	Cilia	Flagella
Description	Cilia have hair-like appendages that extend from the surface of the living cell.	Flagella have thread-like appendages on the surface of a living cell.
Length	Short 5-10nm	Long 150nm
Origin	Latin word eyelash	Latin word whip
Singular form	Cilium	Flagellum
Found in	Eukaryote cell	Both eukaryote and prokaryote cells.
Distribution	In protozoans of class ciliate and ciliated epithelium of the metazoan. In larva of certain Platyhelminthes, Echinodermata, mollusk and annelid.	In certain bacteria cells. In some protozoan’s class of Flagellata, choanocyte of the sponges, spermatozoa of the metazoan. In some plants like algae In gamete cells
Thickness	Greater diameter of about 0.3 to 0.5 um.	The thin diameter of about 0.02 to 0.025 um.
Number	Numerous	Less in number
Density	Many per cell	Few per cell
Position on cell	Occur throughout the cell surface	Occur at one end or two ends or all over the cell.
Organization	Possess a central bundle of microtubules where nine outer doublet microtubules surround a central pair of singlet microtubules.	Prokaryotic flagella are simpler structures made up of flagellin
Beating synchronization	Cilia beat in a coordinated rhythm either simultaneously (synchronous) or one after the other (metachronous).	They beat independently of each other.
Motion Type	Fast rotational movement	Prokaryotes experience rotary movement. Eukaryotes experience bending movement.
Swimming motion	Cilia move like the breast stroke	Flagella move in an oar-like style.
Energy Production	Uses kinesin that contains ATPase activity for producing energy to enhance movement.	Powdered by the proton-motive force created by plasma membrane in prokaryotes. ATP has driven in eukaryotes.
Types	Non-motile cilia Motile cilia	Bacterial Archaeal Eukaryotic
Purpose	Help to promote movement along the outer surface of the cell. Foster feeding circulation and aeration.	Help in locomotion only
Function	Cilia in the mammalian system not for locomotion.	The extent from the plasma membrane and are used to move an entire cell.
Cross-section	Nexin arm present.	Nexin arm absent.
Examples	Cilia present in Paramecium	Flagella present in Salmonella
Diseases	Cognitive impairment Retinal degeneration Hearing loss Anosmia Craniofacial abnormalities Lung and airway abnormalities Infertility Polydactyly Pancreatic cysts	Infertility Foodborne illness

What Are Cilia?

Cilia are short hair-like structures present in large numbers in the eukaryotic cells. Cilia are grouped into non-motile cilia and motile cilia.

Non-motile cilia occur in animal cells. They are distributed around the sensory organs like the eyes and nose. Motile cilia are found in large numbers on the surface of cells to beat coordinated waves.

Motile cilia in the trachea sweep mucus to prevent dirt from entering the lungs. Motile cilia in the fallopian tube enhance the movement of the ovum towards the uterus from the ovary.

What Are Flagella?

Flagella are long lash-like structures emerging from the surface of the cell. The structure is made up of protein flagellin. It helps in the locomotion of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Flagella are grouped into bacterial, eukaryotic, and archaeal. Bacterial and archaeal flagella are responsible for the movement of cells.

The movement of cells to different locations is important during feeding, circulation, and reproduction. Mammalian sperm uses flagella to propel them towards the ovum.

Main Differences between Cilia and Flagella

Cilia are numerous in a single cell. Flagella are fewer in a single cell.
Cilia are short hair-like structures. Flagella are long whip-like structures.
Cilia are shorter than flagella.
Cilia occur in prokaryotic cells whereas flagella occur in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Cilia beat in coordination while flagella beat independently.
Cilia display sweeping movement while flagella show undulatory movement.

Similarities between Cilia and Flagella

Both arise from the basal body.
Both outgrow from the plasma membrane
Both have axoneme and a central filament
The primary function is locomotion

In Conclusion

Cilia and flagella are structurally identical cell organelles. These structures play a vital role in the locomotion of cells. The main difference between cilia and flagella is based on their function and shape.

Understanding their structural and functional differences is important. You can also use their size, number, and mode of beating to tell the differences.

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