Abstract
ALTHOUGH flagella movement or propulsion by means of a single flagellum is probably one of the first types of movement which came into existence, the fact remains that comparatively little is known for certainty about its actual mechanics. For example, it has always been a debatable point whether the flagellum is a passive unit mechanically operated by the cell, or an active structure developing partly or wholly its own energy. It is true that Gray1 has given much evidence in favour of the latter view, but quantitative data are lacking. It has also been maintained in practically all standard text-books, that in all tractella or cases in which the flagellum is attached to the anterior end of the cell or organism, the waves of distortion pass from the tip of the flagellum to its base.
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References
J. Gray, ” A Text-Book of Experimental Cytology”. Cambridge University Press. 1931.
A. G. Lowndes, ” The Twin Polygraph and Strobograph”, NATURE, 135, 1006 (June 15, 1935).
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Lowndes, A. Flagella Movement. Nature 138, 210–211 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/138210a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/138210a0
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