Flagellar arrangements at the poles of a bacterium What is the correct term for a flagellar arrangement in which one or clusters of flagella occur at both poles of a bacterial cell?

Introduction / Context:
Describing bacterial flagellar patterns uses a standardized vocabulary that conveys both number and position. Correctly identifying these terms is useful in microbial identification and in understanding motility strategies in different environments.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The description specifies flagella at both poles, possibly single or as clusters.
• Other standard terms refer to single polar, tufted polar, or all-over distributions.

Concept / Approach:

Amphitrichous arrangement means flagella at both poles (ends) of the cell. Monotrichous means a single polar flagellum at one end. Lophotrichous indicates a tuft at one pole. Peritrichous denotes flagella all around the cell surface. Therefore, the best term for the described polarity is amphitrichous.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Microbiology atlases consistently depict amphitrichous cells with polar flagella at each end, in contrast to the other patterns.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Monotrichous: Only one flagellum at a single pole.
• Peritrichous: Flagella all over, not limited to poles.
• Lophotrichous: Tuft at a single pole, not both.
• None of these: Not applicable because amphitrichous is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing amphitrichous with peritrichous due to multiple flagella; position, not number alone, is decisive.

Final Answer:

Amphitrichous