Bacterial Motility

Bacterial motility refers to the ability of bacteria to move independently in their environment. They achieve this primarily through structures called flagella, which are long, whip-like appendages that rotate, propelling the bacteria forward. Some bacteria use other methods, like pili that help them "crawl" along surfaces. Motility is crucial for bacteria to find nutrients, escape harmful conditions, and colonize new areas. This movement can significantly impact their survival, behavior, and interactions with other organisms, including humans. Understanding bacterial motility is important in fields such as medicine and environmental science.