Bacterial flagellar arrangements: flagella distributed all around the cell What is the term for the arrangement in which numerous flagella are distributed over the entire surface of a bacterial cell?

Introduction / Context:
Bacterial motility depends on flagella arrangements, which influence swimming behavior and chemotaxis. Recognizing the classical terms for these arrangements helps in identification and understanding of motility patterns in microbiology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question focuses on the distribution pattern of flagella.
• Standard nomenclature includes monotrichous, lophotrichous, amphitrichous, peritrichous, and atrichous.

Concept / Approach:

Peritrichous bacteria have flagella distributed around the entire cell surface (for example, Escherichia coli). Monotrichous have a single polar flagellum; lophotrichous have a tuft at one pole; amphitrichous have one or clusters at both poles; atrichous lack flagella.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standard microbiology illustrations depict peritrichous cells covered with multiple flagella, in contrast to polar arrangements for mono-, lophotrichous, and amphitrichous types.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Lophotrichous: Tuft at one pole only.
• Amphitrichous: At both poles, usually one or clusters.
• Monotrichous: Single flagellum at one pole.
• Atrichous: No flagella present.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing amphitrichous (both poles) with peritrichous (all over).
• Assuming 'many flagella' always means peritrichous; a tuft at one pole is lophotrichous.

Final Answer:

Peritrichous