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Dictionary » N » Nematocysts

Nematocysts

nematocyst

A structure found within a specialised cell, the nematocyte (also known as cnidocytes, or cnidoblasts), and consists of a capsule containing a coiled tube. When the nematocyte is triggered, the wall of the capsule changes its water permeability and the inrush of water causes the tube to evert explosively ejecting the nematocyst from the cell. The tube is commonly armed with barbs and may also contain toxin.

involved in the stinging mechanism for defense and prey-capture that is unique and present in all animals of the phylum Cnidaria (corals, sea anemones, hydrae, jellyfish, etc.).


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Phyla Porifera and Cnidaria

... sure about that one. Not sure what part of the question needs explaining, it is simply asking how cnidarians capture and ingest/digest prey. The nematocysts (google this word, there is HEAPS of information about them) allow the animal to hold the prey and venom is injected. The venom is often ...

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by firechild
Tue Feb 02, 2010 2:09 am
 
Forum: Zoology Discussion
Topic: Phyla Porifera and Cnidaria
Replies: 3
Views: 8838

Re: Phyla Porifera and Cnidaria

... defense mechanism and secondary metabolites as chemical defense. By which means do Cnidarians seize and consumer faster organisms? Cnidarians use nematocysts (barbed, harpoon-like projections) to capture prey. Most species also produce venoms that are injected via the nematocysts to disable prey. ...

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by firechild
Tue Feb 02, 2010 1:23 am
 
Forum: Zoology Discussion
Topic: Phyla Porifera and Cnidaria
Replies: 3
Views: 8838

Why do you keep talking about species

... Hollow dorsal nervous chord, notochord, pharyngeal slits, endostyle, post-anal tail about 100,000+ Cnidaria Stinging nettle Coelenterates Nematocysts (stinging cells) about 11,000 Ctenophora Comb bearer Comb jellies Eight "comb rows" of fused cilia about 100 modern species Cycliophora ...

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by gamila
Mon Jun 29, 2009 5:35 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Why do you keep talking about species
Replies: 23
Views: 42265

Can we extract a organelles from a cell to another?

... in nature all the time. I have studied nudibranchs that incorporate organelles from their prey into their own cells -- chloroplasts in some cases, nematocysts in others. These organelles retain their function in their new host, so it seems reasonable that other organelles might as well, at least ...

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by Wingnut
Tue Aug 05, 2008 4:36 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Can we extract a organelles from a cell to another?
Replies: 2
Views: 1370


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