Chapter 15: Chemo-responsive Self-motion by an Interplay of Micro- and Macroscopic Dynamics

Chemo-responsive processes originate from molecular-scale events such as chemical reactions and/or the adsorption/desorption of molecules. Molecular-scale events often cause macroscopically visible consequences; autonomous motion is a typical example of this. In living bodies, systems exist in which the macroscopic motion affects the molecular-scale event, and this feedback effect gives rise to all bodily functions, such as heartbeat, body movement, and brain activity. Living systems are highly complicated and require a deep physiological understanding. However, the interaction between molecular-scale phenomena and their resultant macroscopic motility can be discussed through much simpler, non-equilibrium chemical systems. Here, we provide examples to illustrate this interaction.