Definition

A type of protein that helps control the movement and activation of white blood cells, especially during inflammation.

Example

Chemokines play a crucial role in the immune response by guiding white blood cells to the sites of infection.

Conversation

I read an article about how chemokines play a role in inflammation.

Oh really? I’ve heard they’re important for activating immune cells.

Yeah, they help mobilize white blood cells to fight infections.

That’s fascinating! It’s amazing how our bodies use chemokines in response to illness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chemokine → It is formed from "chemo-" (from Greek "chēmeia", meaning chemistry or chemical) and "-kine" (from Greek "kinein", meaning to move). The word "chemokine" refers to a type of signaling protein that induces movement of immune cells towards sites of inflammation or infection, thus relating to the movement induced by chemical signals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chemistry' ('chemo-') which involves chemicals that can 'move' ('-kine') things, helping you remember that chemokines are proteins that guide immune cells to where they are needed.

Visually Confused Words