Wave Propagation along Flagella

Abstract

1. The types of bending waves which can propagate along a thin elastic filament immersed in a viscous medium are derived. 2. It is not possible to account for the form of the waves observed on actual flagella if the flagellum is regarded merely as a passive elastic filament driven from its proximal end. 3. The observed wave forms can be explained by assuming active contractile elements distributed along the length of the flagellum. These elements could be activated by local bending.