what is/are the unique cell type that is used by organisms in the phylum Cnidaria for protection/trapping food?
and how this cell functions (detail)??
2007-07-18 15:38:04 · 4 answers · asked by FISH 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
the stinging cells are called cnidocytes
2007-07-18 15:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by misti 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These cells are called cnidocytes. Cnido means "nettle" which is a kind of stinging plant. Cyte means cell. So cnidocytes are stinging cells, and the phylum cnidaria is named for them.
Cnidarians sting for protection, but they also use their stinging cells to paralyze and hold food.
Cnidocytes contain a coiled thread that springs out when the outer trigger is touched. This is an automatic response, so the cnidocytes on a dead jellyfish on the beach can still sting.
2007-07-18 22:53:33 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those kinds of questions always _nettle_ me; I've been _stung_ more than once on tests by forgetting the answers. If only there was a way for me to _eject a venom-laden harpoon from my specialized cell_ to snag the answer and reel it back in. *Ahem* Ooops. Forget I said that.
2007-07-18 22:42:54 · answer #3 · answered by John R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nematocysts
2007-07-18 22:44:07 · answer #4 · answered by Donna J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋