chemotaxis

[ kee-moh-tak-sis, kem-oh- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Biology.

chemotaxis

/ ˌkɛməʊˈtæksɪs /

chemotaxis

/ kē′mō-tăk′sĭs,kĕm′ō- /

The characteristic movement or orientation of an organism or cell along a chemical concentration gradient either toward or away from the chemical stimulus. Bacteria exhibit chemotaxis when they move toward a source of nutrients.

First recorded in 1890–95; chemo- + -taxis

Chemotaxis alone will not explain the continuance of leukocytosis for more than a short time.

Non-phagocytic leukocytosis is probably due more to stimulation of blood-making organs than to chemotaxis.

Pfeffer in 1883 discovered chemotaxis, the directive action of chemical substances on the movement of mobile organisms.

Chemotaxis means simply the effect of the presence of certain substances on vital organisms without specific chemical action.

In general, the response of the leukocytes to chemotaxis is a conservative process.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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