What is the term for self-movement in bacteria?

Motility is the term used to describe the self-movement in bacteria. This capability allows bacteria to move toward favorable environments or away from harmful substances. The mechanisms of motility in bacteria can include flagella, which are tail-like structures that rotate to propel the bacterium forward, or other means such as cilia or amoeboid movement.

Reproduction refers to the process by which bacteria multiply, typically through binary fission, and does not imply movement. Colonization involves bacteria establishing a population in a specific area, but it does not directly address how they move. Propagation is often used to describe the spreading or increase in numbers of organisms but does not specifically relate to the active movement of the organisms themselves. Thus, motility accurately captures the concept of self-movement within this context.