Humber Admissions Practice Test

What is the primary function of flagella in one-celled organisms?

1. Reproduction

2. Movement

3. Feeding

4. Cell division

The correct answer is: Movement

Flagella are long, whip-like structures that protrude from the cell body of one-celled organisms, such as protozoa and some bacteria. The primary function of flagella is to facilitate movement. They create a propelling force that allows these organisms to swim through liquid environments, such as water or bodily fluids. The rotational motion of flagella can enable the organism to change direction, navigate towards nutrients, or escape from harmful substances. In contrast, reproduction, feeding, and cell division are not direct functions of flagella. While some organisms may reproduce through methods that involve movement, flagella themselves do not contribute directly to the reproductive process. Similarly, while cells may rely on movement to locate food, feeding mechanisms typically involve different structures or processes, such as cilia or specialized organelles for engulfing nutrients. Lastly, cell division is a complex process separate from movement, involving the replication of genetic material and the structuring of cellular components into two new cells. Thus, the role of flagella is primarily focused on enabling mobility in one-celled organisms.