| Definition: |
A non-membrane-bounded organelle superficially similar to a bacterial-type flagellum; they both consist of filaments extending outside the cell, and rotate to propel the cell, but the archaeal flagella (also called archaella) have a unique structure which lacks a central channel. Similar to bacterial type IV pilins, the archaeal flagellins (archaellins) are made with class 3 signal peptides and they are processed by a type IV prepilin peptidase-like enzyme. The archaellins are typically modified by the addition of N-linked glycans which are necessary for proper assembly and/or function. |