Flagella are found in both eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells.Despite the functional similarities of all flagella,scientists suspect that eukaryotic and prokaryotic flagella have evolved independently.Why don't they think there is a common evolutionary origin for prokaryotic and eukaryotic flagella?
A)Prokaryotic flagella move by rotating,whereas eukaryotic flagella undergo an undulating motion.Furthermore,eukaryotic flagella are covered by a plasma membrane and prokaryotic flagella are not.
B)Prokaryotic flagella do not protrude outside the cell wall,whereas eukaryotic flagella are membrane-bound extensions of cytoplasm.
C)Prokaryotic flagella are an adaptation to scarce nutrient supply,whereas eukaryotic flagella are designed to protect.
D)Prokaryotic flagella do not require energy in the form of ATP.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The functional differences in movement and structure between prokaryotic and eukaryotic flagella suggest that they have evolved independently and do not have a common evolutionary origin. Additionally, the presence of a plasma membrane covering eukaryotic flagella but not prokaryotic flagella is another indication of separate evolutionary origins.

Flagella Are Found in Both Eukaryotic Cells and Prokaryotic Cells