How Do You Spell CHEMOTACTIC?

1. Chemotactic is an adjective that refers to the ability of cells or organisms to move or migrate in response to chemicals in their environment. The term is commonly used in the field of biology and specifically in the study of cellular behavior, immune response, and microbial interactions.

   In a biological context, chemotaxis describes the movement of cells or organisms towards or away from certain chemical substances, which act as attractants or repellents respectively. This process is vital for many physiological processes, such as immune cell recruitment to sites of infection, wound healing, and the navigation of sperm towards the egg during fertilization.

   Chemotactic responses are achieved through the detection of chemical gradients by specialized chemical receptors present on the surfaces of cells. These receptors allow the cells to sense and respond to the presence of specific molecules in their environment. Upon detection, the cells undergo a series of intracellular changes, resulting in the rearrangement of their cytoskeleton and their subsequent movement in a directed manner towards or away from the chemical signal.

   Chemotactic behavior is not limited to single-celled organisms or immune cells. It is also observed in more complex organisms, such as insects and vertebrates, and is essential for various physiological processes throughout their development and survival.

   Overall, the term "chemotactic" describes the ability of cells or organisms to respond to specific chemicals by actively moving or migrating towards or away from them, allowing for crucial biological processes such as immune response, development, and survival.

2. Relating to chemotaxis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CHEMOTACTIC

The word "chemotactic" is derived from the combination of two root words: "chemo" and "tactic".

The term "chemo" is derived from the Greek word "kheîn", which means "to pour". In modern usage, it refers to chemicals or substances that are related to chemical processes or reactions.

The word "tactic" is derived from the Greek word "taktikos", which means "art of arrangement" or "tactics". In English, it refers to actions or strategies used to achieve a particular goal or objective.

Therefore, the word "chemotactic" combines these two root words to describe the phenomenon of movement or motility of a cell or organism in response to a chemical stimulus or gradient.