ELECTROTAXIS Meaning and
Definition
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Electrotaxis refers to the directed movement or migration of living organisms in response to electric fields. It is a phenomenon commonly observed in various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and some animal cells. The term is derived from the combination of "electro," related to electricity, and "taxis," which refers to the directed movement or behavior of an organism.
While the mechanisms behind electrotaxis can differ depending on the organism, the overall process typically involves the detection and response to electric field gradients. Organisms possess special cellular structures or sensors that allow them to perceive the electric field and initiate a polarized migration towards or away from the field.
In certain microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, electrotaxis can play a role in various processes. For example, it may aid in orientation towards favorable or repellent conditions, such as nutrient sources or areas of high electric charge. In higher organisms, such as certain plant cells, electrotaxis can regulate growth and directional movement of cells during development.
Electrotaxis has also been studied in the context of biomedical applications. Researchers have explored its potential for guiding cell movement and tissue regeneration in fields like tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The understanding of electrotactic behavior in different organisms can contribute to the development of innovative technologies and therapeutic strategies in the future.
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Reaction of plant or animal protoplasm to one or the other electric pole; positive electro taxis is that in which the living body is attracted toward the cathode or repelled from the anode, negative electrotaxis is the reverse of this.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROTAXIS
- wlectrotaxis
- slectrotaxis
- dlectrotaxis
- rlectrotaxis
- 4lectrotaxis
- 3lectrotaxis
- ekectrotaxis
- epectrotaxis
- eoectrotaxis
- elwctrotaxis
- elsctrotaxis
- eldctrotaxis
- elrctrotaxis
- el4ctrotaxis
- el3ctrotaxis
- elextrotaxis
- elevtrotaxis
- eleftrotaxis
- eledtrotaxis
- elecrrotaxis
Etymology of ELECTROTAXIS
The word "electrotaxis" is derived from two root words: "electro" and "taxis".
1. "Electro": The term "electro-" is a combining form derived from the Greek word "ēlektron", meaning "amber" or "electricity". It is often used to refer to electric phenomena or electrically related topics. In this context, it refers to electricity or electric fields.
2. "Taxis": The word "taxis" comes from the Greek term "taxia", which means "arrangement" or "order". It is commonly used in biology to describe the movement or orientation of organisms towards or away from certain stimuli.
Combining the two root words, "electrotaxis" refers to the directed movement or orientation of organisms in response to electric fields.
