chemotactische

Chemotaxis is a biological phenomenon that describes the directed movement of a cell or organism in response to a chemical gradient. This chemical stimulus, known as a chemoattractant or chemorepellent, can be a variety of substances, including nutrients, signaling molecules, or waste products. Cells employ specialized receptors on their surface to detect these chemicals. When a cell encounters a concentration difference, it alters its movement in a way that increases its proximity to attractants or decreases its proximity to repellents. This process is fundamental for numerous biological functions, such as immune cell migration to sites of infection, bacterial foraging for food sources, and developmental processes like tissue formation. The precise mechanism of chemotaxis varies between cell types, but generally involves signal transduction pathways that translate the chemical signal into cytoskeletal rearrangements, enabling directed motility. This directed movement allows organisms and cells to navigate their environment, locate resources, avoid toxins, and interact with other cells, playing a crucial role in survival and reproduction.