Functional roles of the transverse and longitudinal flagella in the swimming motility of Prorocentrum minimum (Dinophyceae).

Equations describing the motion of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum, which has both a longitudinal and a transverse flagellum, were formulated and examined using numerical calculations based on hydrodynamic resistive force theory. The calculations revealed that each flagellum has its own function in cell locomotion. The transverse flagellum works as a propelling device that provides the main driving force or thrust to move the cell along the longitudinal axis of its helical swimming path. The longitudinal flagellum works as a rudder, giving a lateral force to the cell in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the helix. Combining these functions results a helical swimming motion similar to the observed motion. Flagellar hairs present on the transverse flagellum are necessary to make the calculated cell motion agree with the observed cell motion.