Aerotactic

/ˌɛərətækˈtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing the movement of organisms in response to air or oxygen gradients.

Etymology

From Greek aero- (air) and -tactic (arranged, from taxis meaning order or arrangement). Used in microbiology since the early 20th century to describe bacterial behavior.

Kelly Says

Aerotactic bacteria literally swim toward oxygen like tiny submarines seeking an air supply—they have chemical sensors that let them detect oxygen concentrations and navigate toward it.

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