The directed movement of organisms or cells in response to a chemical gradient, moving toward or away from chemical signals.
From chemi- (chemistry) + -taxis (from Greek taxis, arrangement or orderly movement). The term was coined in the late 1800s as scientists observed bacteria responding to chemical concentrations.
Chemiotaxis is how white blood cells find and destroy infections—they follow chemical 'breadcrumbs' left by bacteria and damaged cells; it's literally your immune system using chemistry to navigate your body!
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