What term describes the phenomenon in which a bacterium directs its movement toward a chemical in its environment?

Chemotaxis is the term that describes the movement of a bacterium toward or away from a chemical gradient in its environment. This phenomenon is crucial for bacteria as it allows them to navigate toward nutrients or away from harmful substances. Bacteria can detect changes in the concentration of specific chemicals in their surroundings and respond accordingly, moving in a directional manner to optimize their chances of survival and reproduction. This process is essential for their adaptation and behavior in various environments, facilitating their ability to find food, avoid toxins, and engage in other interactive biological functions. Understanding chemotaxis also sheds light on the fundamental behaviors of microorganisms and their ecological roles.