Multiple Choice
If an E. coli bacterium finds itself moving away from an attractant how will its movements change?
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Chemotaxis
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A common attractant for bacteria is glucose sugar. Bacteria placed in a cup of water with dissolved glucose are going to change their movements depending on the concentration of the glucose. If the concentration of glucose increases the bacteria will…
A
Have longer runs
B
Have an increased number of tumbles
C
Have shorter runs
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of chemotaxis: Bacteria move in response to chemical stimuli, such as glucose, through a process called chemotaxis. They move towards higher concentrations of attractants (like glucose) and away from repellents.
Recognize the movement patterns: Bacteria exhibit two main types of movement - 'runs' and 'tumbles'. A 'run' is a smooth, linear movement, while a 'tumble' is a reorientation or change in direction.
Relate glucose concentration to bacterial movement: When bacteria detect an increase in glucose concentration, they tend to have longer runs towards the source of glucose, as it is an attractant.
Analyze the effect of glucose on tumbling: In the presence of higher glucose concentrations, the frequency of tumbles decreases, allowing bacteria to maintain longer runs towards the attractant.
Conclude the behavior: Therefore, when the concentration of glucose increases, bacteria will have longer runs and fewer tumbles, optimizing their movement towards the glucose source.
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