What is the primary function of flagella in prokaryotic cells?
A) To aid in cell division
B) To help the cell adhere to other cells
C) To facilitate the exchange of genetic material between cells
D) To transport materials within the cell
E) To allow the cell to move
IMAT 2026 · Question 12
Q12 - Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
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The correct answer is E) To allow the cell to move.
A prokaryotic flagellum is a long protein filament anchored in the membrane by a motor. The motor rotates the filament like a propeller, pushing the cell forward (motility), often towards nutrients or away from harmful substances.
A) Incorrect: Prokaryotes divide by binary fission. Flagella play no part in it.
B) Incorrect: Adhesion to cells and surfaces is the job of fimbriae (short pili).
C) Incorrect: Genetic material is exchanged during conjugation through the sex pilus, not the flagellum.
D) Incorrect: The flagellum sits outside the cell. Materials move inside a prokaryotic cell mainly by diffusion.
E) Correct: Flagella give the cell motility.
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