Bacterial chemotaxis without gradient-sensing (Q2339975)

Chemotaxis models like the Keller-Segel system are based on spatial or temporal gradient measurements by individual organisms. The authors propose an explanation of the chemotactic behavior when individuals do not sense the gradient of chemical concentration. The model (in one space dimension) is based on the observation: if individuals increase their dispersal rate to find food when there is not enough food, an accurate chemotactic behavior may be obtained without sensing the gradient. Such a dispersal (suggested by \textit{E. Cho} and the second author [Bull. Math. Biol. 75, No. 5, 845--870 (2013; Zbl 1311.92155)]) is called starvation driven diffusion. This model is similar to the original Keller-Segel model. Traveling waves are studied for that model.