Describing organisms with flagella of different sizes or structures.
From Greek hetero- (different) + mastigote (whip-bearing, from mastix meaning whip), describing asymmetrical flagella. Used in protozoology to classify flagellated organisms.
Heteromastigate protozoans are like tiny swimmers with mismatched oars—one flagellum might be long and powerful while the other is short and finicky, giving them an uneven swimming stroke!
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