Chemosensitive

Chemosensitive is an adjective used to describe systems, cells, tissues, or organisms that respond to chemical stimuli or to chemical therapies. The term is applied across fields such as biology, medicine, ecology, and sensor technology to denote a measurable reaction to chemical cues or agents.

In sensory biology, chemosensitive receptors detect chemical compounds. Taste and olfactory systems rely on chemosensitive receptor cells that respond to tastants and odorants. In addition, chemosensitive neurons in the respiratory and circulatory systems monitor chemical variables such as CO2, pH, and oxygen, triggering reflexes and regulatory responses.

In oncology, chemosensitivity describes how responsive a tumor is to chemotherapy. Tumor chemosensitivity depends on drug uptake, intracellular metabolism, target presence, and DNA-damage response. Tumors are sometimes characterized as chemosensitive or chemoresistant, influencing treatment choices and prognosis. Laboratory chemosensitivity assays can test tumor or cell line responses to anticancer drugs to aid planning.

In ecology and toxicology, chemosensitive organisms or tissues show pronounced responses to chemical pollutants, pheromones, or other chemical cues, affecting behavior and survival. The concept is also important in the development of chemical sensors, where chemosensitive materials or devices change signal in the presence of specific chemicals.