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Prokaryotic Motility definitions

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  • Chemotaxis
    Movement of cells in response to chemical gradients, allowing navigation toward attractants or away from repellants.
  • Chemoattractant
    A chemical substance that draws motile cells closer, guiding them toward more favorable environments.
  • Chemorepellant
    A chemical substance that causes motile cells to move away, helping them avoid harmful conditions.
  • Positive Chemotaxis
    Directional movement of cells toward higher concentrations of attractant chemicals.
  • Negative Chemotaxis
    Directional movement of cells away from repellant chemicals, promoting survival.
  • Phototaxis
    Cellular movement in response to light, either toward or away from a light source.
  • Flagella
    Long, filamentous surface structures composed of protein, responsible for propelling prokaryotic cells.
  • Flagellin
    Globular protein forming the main structural component of the flagellar filament.
  • Filament
    The primary, elongated part of a flagellum, built from flagellin, extending from the cell surface.
  • Hook
    Flexible, curved protein structure connecting the filament to the basal body in prokaryotic flagella.
  • Basal Body
    Complex structure with a rod and protein rings, anchoring the flagellum within the cell envelope.
  • Tuft
    A group of multiple flagella clustered together on the surface of a prokaryotic cell.
  • Proton Motive Force
    Electrochemical gradient of protons across a membrane, providing energy for flagellar rotation.
  • Motility
    Ability of cells to move actively and efficiently through their environment.
  • Run and Tumble
    Pattern of movement in motile cells, alternating between straight swimming and random reorientation.