flimmer filament

biology

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

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The term "flimmer" in biology refers to one of the delicate lateral filaments found on certain flagella, also known as mastigonemes. This is distinct from the more common meaning of "flimmer" as to glimmer or flicker. Microfilaments, on the other hand, are protein filaments within eukaryotic cytoplasm that are crucial for cell structure and movement. Cilia, which are similar to flagella, are eyelash-like filaments used for locomotion in protozoa and for moving substances across cell surfaces in multicellular organisms.1234

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protozoan
Flagellar propulsion
…have slender, simpler hairs called flimmer filaments. Either structure improves the effectiveness of the flagellar stroke, altering the movement of water produced by undulations of the flagellum by reversing its flow toward the flagellar base. Swimming speeds achieved by flagella are relatively low.
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…have slender, simpler hairs called flimmer filaments. Either structure improves the effectiveness of the flagellar stroke, altering the movement of water produced by undulations of the flagellum by reversing its flow toward the flagellar base. Swimming speeds achieved by flagella are relatively low.
Read More