How do cilia and flagella differ?

CILIA

FLAGELLA

They are short hair-like structures found in eukaryotic cells that protrude from the cell body that help in the movement of either the cell or the fluid.

They are long hair-like structures located in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic flagella are located outside the plasma membrane whereas eukaryotic flagella are embedded in the cell membrane.

They are usually large in number.

A cell can have either one or a few flagella.

They are present throughout the cell surface.

They are usually found at one end of the cell surface.

Cilia beat in a coordinated rhythm either in a synchronous or metachronous fashion.

Flagella move independently of each other.

Cilia beat very fast in a rotatory manner.

Flagella beat in a wave-like manner and are slower than cilia.

They are found in eukaryotic cells.

They are found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Apart from locomotion, they aid in feeding and protection.

The main function is only locomotion.