CHEMOTACTIC FACTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Chemotactic factors are molecules that play a crucial role in chemotaxis, a biological process by which cells are attracted or repelled by chemical signals. Specifically, chemotactic factors refer to substances that can induce the directed movement of cells, such as immune cells or bacteria, along a concentration gradient of the chemical signal.
These factors are typically small molecules, often peptides or proteins, that are released by various cells in response to injury, inflammation, or infection. They act as communication signals, guiding cells to specific locations where they are needed to perform a particular function. Chemotactic factors can be secreted by cells at the site of injury or infection, as well as by other cells within the body.
Once released, the chemotactic factors bind to specific receptors on the surfaces of target cells, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling events that ultimately cause the cells to migrate towards the source of the chemotactic signal. This directed movement allows cells to reach sites of injury or infection, where they can participate in immune responses or other necessary physiological processes.
Chemotactic factors are integral to the functioning of the immune system, as they help guide immune cells to where they are needed, such as sites of infection or tissue damage. They also play important roles in embryonic development, wound healing, and tissue repair. Understanding the mechanisms of chemotactic factor signaling is crucial for elucidating the processes that drive cell migration and immune responses and may have important implications for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Common Misspellings for CHEMOTACTIC FACTORS
- xhemotactic factors
- vhemotactic factors
- fhemotactic factors
- dhemotactic factors
- cgemotactic factors
- cbemotactic factors
- cnemotactic factors
- cjemotactic factors
- cuemotactic factors
- cyemotactic factors
- chwmotactic factors
- chsmotactic factors
- chdmotactic factors
- chrmotactic factors
- ch4motactic factors
- ch3motactic factors
- chenotactic factors
- chekotactic factors
- chejotactic factors
- chemitactic factors
Etymology of CHEMOTACTIC FACTORS
The word "chemotactic" originates from the combination of two words: "chemo" and "tactic". "Chemo" refers to chemical, while "tactic" relates to movement or direction. The term was first coined by a German physiologist named Ernst Karl Friedric Bauer in the early 20th century.
The word "factors" here refers to substances or elements that play a significant role in a particular process or system.
Overall, "chemotactic factors" refers to the substances that induce or influence the directed movement of cells, particularly immune cells, towards or away from certain chemical cues. These factors play a vital role in processes like inflammation, wound healing, and immune cell recruitment.
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