thigmotaxis

views updated May 21 2018

thigmotaxis(stereotaxis) A change in direction of locomotion in a motile organism or cell which is made in response to a tactile stimulus (touch), and where the direction of movement is determined by the direction from which the stimulus is received. It may inhibit movement, causing the organism to come into close contact with a surface. Thigmotaxis is commonly observed in insects.

thigmotaxis

views updated Jun 11 2018

thigmotaxis (stereotaxis) A change in direction of locomotion in a motile organism or cell that is made in response to a tactile stimulus (touch), and where the direction of movement is determined by the direction from which the stimulus is received. It may inhibit movement, causing the organism to come into close contact with a surface. Thigmotaxis is commonly observed in insects.

thigmotaxis

views updated Jun 11 2018

thigmotaxis (stereotaxis) A change in direction of locomotion in a motile organism or cell made in response to a tactile stimulus (touch), where the direction of movement is determined by the direction from which the stimulus is received. It may inhibit movement, causing the organism to come into close contact with a surface. Thigmotaxis is commonly observed in insects.