Chemotaxis

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Chemotaxis (pronounced: kee-mo-TAK-sis) is a biological phenomenon that refers to the movement of an organism or cell in response to a chemical stimulus. The term is derived from the Greek words chemia meaning "chemical" and taxis meaning "arrangement" or "order".

Etymology

The term "Chemotaxis" was first coined in the late 19th century by German biologist Wilhelm Pfeffer. It is derived from the Greek words chemia (chemical) and taxis (arrangement or order).

Types of Chemotaxis

Chemotaxis can be categorized into two main types: Positive Chemotaxis and Negative Chemotaxis. In positive chemotaxis, cells or organisms move towards the source of the chemical stimulus, while in negative chemotaxis, they move away from it.

Role in Immune Response

Chemotaxis plays a crucial role in the immune response of organisms. It allows immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to navigate towards the site of infection or injury, where they can combat invading pathogens.

Chemotaxis in Bacteria

In bacteria, chemotaxis is a critical survival mechanism that allows them to locate nutrients and avoid harmful substances. Bacterial chemotaxis is primarily driven by the flagellum, a whip-like structure that propels the bacteria towards or away from the chemical stimulus.

Related Terms

  • Chemoreceptor: A sensory receptor that detects chemical signals and triggers chemotaxis.
  • Chemokine: A type of cytokine that induces chemotaxis in responsive cells.
  • Chemotactic factor: A substance that induces chemotaxis.
  • Chemotropism: A similar concept to chemotaxis, but applied to the growth of plants in response to a chemical stimulus.

See Also

External links

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