Atrichous
no flagella
Atrichous is a term used to describe a type of bacterial cell that lacks flagella or any other form of motility. Flagella are whip-like structures that protrude from the cell surface and are responsible for bacterial mobility and movement. Atrichous bacteria do not possess flagella and therefore cannot move on their own.
Some bacteria without flagella may rely on other mechanisms for movement, such as gliding or twitching. However, atrichous bacteria do not have these mechanisms either and are therefore non-motile. Examples of atrichous bacteria include some strains of Streptococci, which are commonly found in the human mouth and respiratory tract.
It is important to note that atrichous bacteria are less common than bacteria with flagella, as the ability to move gives bacteria a significant survival advantage. However, some bacteria have lost their ability to produce flagella through adaptation to a certain environment or by evolving other ways of dispersal, such as being carried by wind or water.
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