Thermotaxis
Encyclopedia
Thermotaxis is a behavior in which an organism directs its locomotion up or down a gradient of temperature.
Lab research has determined that some slime molds and small nematodes (namely Meloidogyne incognita
) can migrate along amazingly shallow temperature gradients of less than 0.1C/cm. Theoretical analysis indicates that even this impressive feat is far from pushing the limits set by thermal noise. The natural environment always contains temperature gradients that organisms could respond to, if it were useful. The response of the slime mold and nematode is complicated and thought to allow them to move toward an appropriate level in soil. Recent research suggests that mammalian sperm employ thermotaxis to move to an appropriate location in the female's oviduct (see Sperm guidance
).
Lab research has determined that some slime molds and small nematodes (namely Meloidogyne incognita
Meloidogyne incognita
The Meloidogyne incognita is a nematode, a type of roundworm, in the family Heteroderidae. It is an important plant parasite classified in parasitology as a root-knot nematode, as it prefers to attack the root of its host plant....
) can migrate along amazingly shallow temperature gradients of less than 0.1C/cm. Theoretical analysis indicates that even this impressive feat is far from pushing the limits set by thermal noise. The natural environment always contains temperature gradients that organisms could respond to, if it were useful. The response of the slime mold and nematode is complicated and thought to allow them to move toward an appropriate level in soil. Recent research suggests that mammalian sperm employ thermotaxis to move to an appropriate location in the female's oviduct (see Sperm guidance
Sperm guidance
Sperm guidance is the process by which sperm cells are directed to the oocyte for the aim of fertilization. In the case of marine invertebrates the guidance is done by chemotaxis...
).