Primary Assay — C. elegans
Chemotaxis Assay
Caenorhabditis elegans
Worms navigate chemical gradients on agar plates. Standard assay places attractant (e.g., diacetyl, NaCl) at one point and scores worm accumulation after 1 hour. The chemotaxis index (CI) is the standard metric.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Caenorhabditis elegans.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemotaxis index (CI) | -1 to +1 | (Attractant zone − Control zone) / Total |
| Speed toward attractant | mm/min | Velocity component along gradient |
| Turning frequency | turns/min | Pirouette and omega turn rate |
| Weathervane index | ratio | Gradual heading correction toward source |
| Run length | mm | Distance between turns |
References
Citations for Chemotaxis Assay
- Bargmann CI, Hartwieg E, Bhatt HR. (1993). Odorant-selective genes and neurons mediate olfaction in C. elegans. Cell, 74(3), 515-527. PMID: 8348618
- Ward S. (1973). Chemotaxis by the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: identification of attractants and analysis of the response by use of mutants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 70(3), 817-821. PMID: 4351805
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for C. elegans Research
Worm Tracking Camera System
Automated locomotion and behavior
Chemotaxis Assay Plates
Olfactory and gustatory assays
Thermal Gradient Plate
Thermotaxis
Thrashing Assay Chamber
Neuromuscular function in liquid
Touch Stimulation Probe
Mechanosensation
Related Assays
Other C. elegans Primary Assays
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Thrashing Assay
Caenorhabditis elegans
Worms in liquid (M9 buffer) perform characteristic C-shaped thrashing movements. Thrashing frequency is a sensitive, rap…
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Touch Response (Mechanosensation)
Caenorhabditis elegans
Gentle touch to the anterior body triggers backward locomotion; posterior touch triggers forward movement. Response decr…
Run Chemotaxis Assay on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your c. elegans facility.
