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Give three differences between cilia and flagella.

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

[Comprehensive table previously provided in question 44]

Brief comparison:

Feature

Cilia

Flagella

Number

300–14,000 per cell

1–4 per cell

Length

Short (2–10 µm)

Long (up to 150 µm)

Distribution

Entire cell surface

Usually one end (polar/lateral)

Beat pattern

Synchronized, oar-like

Undulating, whip-like

Functions

Locomotion, feeding, fluid movement, sensory reception

Primarily locomotion

Structural similarity: Both have 9+2 axoneme arrangement.

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General · Class 12