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What specialised nerve cells does the phylum Cnidaria have to capture and stun prey such as water fleas and plankton?
collar cell
stinging cell
flame cell
chief cell
stinging cell
Cnidarians possess specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain organelles known as nematocysts. These cells are essential for prey capture, defense, and anchorage by releasing toxins upon physical contact.
Cnidarians possess specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain organelles known as nematocysts. These cells are essential for prey capture, defense, and anchorage by releasing toxins upon physical contact.
Think of a nematocyst like a spring-loaded harpoon; it remains coiled and dormant until a target touches the trigger, at which point it fires instantly.
Cnidaria - C - Cells (Cnidocytes) - Capture/Control.
PhydrostaticтАЛ=╧Бgh тАФ The physical basis for the rapid ejection of the nematocyst thread
When a trigger hair (cnidocil) on the cnidocyte is stimulated, high hydrostatic pressure inside the capsule forces the eversion of a coiled, hollow thread. This thread, often armed with barbs and toxins, penetrates the prey's surface to inject paralyzing chemicals.
Cnidocytes are unique to the phylum Cnidaria.
The stinging organelle is called a nematocyst.
Toxins released are typically proteinaceous and lethal to small organisms.
Efficient predation of motile prey
Effective passive defense mechanism
Metabolically expensive to synthesize and replace used cnidocytes
Capture of small aquatic crustaceans
Protection against predators in coral reefs
Cnidocytes are found primarily on the tentacles.
Option A (Collar cell): Found in Porifera (sponges) for filter feeding.
Option C (Flame cell): Found in Platyhelminthes (flatworms) for excretion.
Option D (Chief cell): Found in the mammalian stomach for pepsinogen secretion.
B is correct тАФ Stinging cells, or cnidocytes, are the defining specialized structures used by Cnidarians to stun and capture prey.
Always link specialized cells to their phylum: Collar cells = Porifera (Sponges), Flame cells = Platyhelminthes (Flatworms), and Cnidocytes = Cnidaria.
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