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flagellin

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //fləˈdʒɛlɪn//

KK: /flædʒəˌlɪn/

noun
Definition

A protein that is the main part of bacterial flagella, which helps bacteria move and can trigger an immune response.


Example

Flagellin is essential for the movement of many types of bacteria.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of flagellin?
Sloth B
I think I've come across that term in my biology class.
Sloth A
Yeah, it's the main protein in bacterial flagella, right?
Sloth B
Exactly! It's interesting how it can trigger an immune response.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
protein
component
polymer
Antonyms
none
Root Explanation

Flagellin is derived from "flagellum" (from Latin, meaning whip) and the suffix "-in" (used to denote proteins or substances). The term refers to a protein that forms the structure of flagella, which are whip-like appendages used for movement in certain cells.

Memory Tip

Think of 'flagellum' meaning whip, which helps you remember that 'flagellin' is a protein that forms the whip-like structures (flagella) used for movement.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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