mastigoneme

biology

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June 30, 2026

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Mastigonemes are minute scales or hairs that grow from the flagellum of certain organisms, primarily stramenopiles (heterokonts). These structures extend at right angles to the flagellum and are also referred to as flimmer filaments.12

Mastigonemes function to improve the effectiveness of the flagellar stroke by altering water movement, directing it towards the base of the flagellum. This modification helps to increase the efficiency of propulsion for these organisms, although the swimming speeds achieved by flagella are generally relatively low.1

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protist
Cilia and flagella
…absence, or pattern of the mastigonemes (minute scales or hairs covering the flagellum) may also differ between two flagella. Some parasitic zooflagellates have hundreds of long flagella.
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…absence, or pattern of the mastigonemes (minute scales or hairs covering the flagellum) may also differ between two flagella. Some parasitic zooflagellates have hundreds of long flagella.
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protozoan
Flagellar propulsion
…have tripartate tubular hairs (mastigonemes) arising at right angles to the flagellum along its length, whereas other groups, such as the dinoflagellates and euglenids, 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…
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…have tripartate tubular hairs (mastigonemes) arising at right angles to the flagellum along its length, whereas other groups, such as the dinoflagellates and euglenids, 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…
Read More