Flagella-dependent motility is widespread throughout prokaryotes and is advantageous when nutrients are limited, as a mechanism to migrate to more favourable environments and to compete with other microorganisms. Flagella systems can also play an important role in additional processes such as adhesion to substrates, biofilm formation and host invasion in pathogenic bacteria. A variety of different classes of pili are found in prokaryotes and these structures also possess a diverse array of functions. Pili are essential for host colonization, virulence and pathogenesis for many bacteria and, in the case of type IV pili, can also be employed for motility across solid surfaces.

Further reading: Pili and Flagella

Labels: adhesion, biofilms, flagella, motility, pili