Chemokinesis

/ˌkɛmoʊkɪˈnɛsɪs/ noun

Definition

Movement or activity in an organism triggered by chemical stimuli, though the movement direction is not oriented toward or away from the chemical source.

Etymology

From 'chemo-' (chemical) + 'kinesis' (movement). Greek roots describe movement caused by chemicals, distinct from 'chemotaxis' where movement is directed.

Kelly Says

Chemokinesis is the reason bacteria randomly speed up when they smell food nearby—they don't navigate toward it at first, they just get more active, and then chemotaxis kicks in to aim them in the right direction.

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