Question

Differentiate isokont from heterokont type of flagella?

Answer 1

Flagella is the organ for locomotion of cells. It is a whip like structure which helps the cell in moving forward through liquid medium. The flagella are of two types: isokont and heterokont. Isokont flagella are the flagella of similar length whereas heterokont flagella means flagella of different length.

Complete answer:
Flagella are the important structure for locomotion in simple organisms like algae. The flagella function in whip like fashion which helps the organism in propelling through the liquid medium. Apart from locomotion flagella also function as a sensory organ at high temperature and pH.
Flagellum can be of two types- whiplash in which the flagellum does not have any hair like projection or tinsel like in which the small hair like projections is present on the flagellum.
Let us discuss the difference on the basis of properties, location, function of these cells.

Isokont flagella	Heterokont Flagella
In many organisms more than one flagellum is present. If all the flagella are of similar length then it is known as isokont.	If the flagella are of different length then it is known as heterokont.
Isokont flagella either show tinsel or whiplash appearance.	Heterokont flagella shows both tinsel and whiplash appearance.
This type of flagella is found in algae.	This type of flagella is found in gametes or sporocytes.

Note: The flagellum shows 9+2 arrangement. It means that two microtubules are present at the centre and is surrounded by 9 microtubules at the periphery. This is an important feature of flagella present in eukaryotes. Cyanobacteria, red algae do not have flagella.