Examples of Chemotactic Movement in Animals and Plants

Chemotactic Movement is the movement of the organism in response to a chemical stimulus, It can be either in the direction of the stimulus or away from the stimulus.

Plant roots growing toward nutrient-rich soil, Neutrophils migrating to sites of inflammation, and amoeboid cells migrating toward signals from damaged tissues are a few examples of chemotaxis.

Examples of Chemotactic Movement in Plants

Here are few Examples of Chemotactic Movement in Plants:

1.    Roots towards Nutrients

Plant roots exhibit positive chemotactic movement when they grow towards higher concentrations of nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus in the soil. This allows the plant to optimize nutrient uptake and support its growth.

2.    Pollen Tube Guidance

During fertilization, pollen tubes in plants show positive chemotactic movement towards the ovules. Chemical signals released by the ovules attract pollen tubes, ensuring that they reach the ovules for successful fertilization.

Examples of Chemotactic Movement in Animals

Here are few Examples of Chemotactic Movement in Animals:

1. Neutrophil Migration

Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, demonstrate positive chemotactic movement. When tissues are injured and release chemical signals like chemokines, neutrophils migrate toward the site of inflammation to eliminate pathogens and promote healing.

2. Leukocyte Attraction

In the immune response, immune cells called leukocytes are attracted to areas of infection or injury. They follow chemical gradients of signaling molecules like cytokines, which guide them to the site where their action is needed.

Examples of Positive Chemotactic Movement

Here are Examples of Positive Chemotactic Movement:

1.    E. coli Bacteria

E. coli bacteria display positive chemotactic movement towards higher concentrations of sugars. They swim towards regions with more available nutrients, enhancing their chances of finding a suitable food source.

2.    Amoeboid Cells

Amoeboid cells, like those in certain immune responses, demonstrate positive chemotactic movement towards chemical signals released by damaged tissues. This helps them migrate to sites of injury to assist in the healing process.

Examples of Negative Chemotactic Movement

Here are Examples of Negative Chemotactic Movement:

1. Fruit Fly Larvae

Fruit fly larvae exhibit negative chemotactic movement. It moves away from toxic or harmful substances. When exposed to noxious chemicals, they move away from higher concentrations to avoid potential harm.

2. Tadpoles

Some tadpoles display negative chemotactic movement by moving away from water that contains elevated levels of predators’ chemical cues. This behavior helps them avoid areas where they’re more likely to get captured.