Chemotaxis

Definition

Chemotaxis is the movement of an organism or cell in response to a chemical stimulus. It plays a crucial role in bacterial movement and immune cell navigation towards infection sites.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemotaxis involves the detection of chemical gradients by cells using receptors.
2. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, use chemotaxis to find nutrients or avoid harmful substances.
3. In innate immunity, chemotaxis helps leukocytes navigate toward sites of infection or inflammation.
4. Positive chemotaxis refers to movement toward higher concentrations of a chemical attractant.
5. Negative chemotaxis refers to movement away from a repellent chemical.

Review Questions

• What role does chemotaxis play in bacterial survival?
• How do immune cells utilize chemotaxis during an infection?
• What is the difference between positive and negative chemotaxis?

Related terms

Receptors: Proteins on cell surfaces that detect specific chemical signals.

Leukocytes:

White blood cells involved in defending the body against infection.

Flagella:

Tail-like structures that enable motility in certain prokaryotic cells.