Archaeal flagella

Archaeal flagella are long, whip-like structures that some archaea, a group of microorganisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, use for movement. Unlike bacterial flagella, which are made of a protein called flagellin and rotate like a corkscrew, archaeal flagella are thinner and are constructed from different proteins. They grow from the base rather than the tip and move in a more complex manner. These flagella play a crucial role in helping archaea navigate their often extreme environments, such as hot springs or salty lakes, contributing to their survival and ecological roles.