What are the functions of sponges?

What are the functions of sponges?

Sponges are unusual animals in that they lack definite organs to carry out their various functions. The most important structure is the system of canals and chambers, called a water-current system, through which water circulates to bring food and oxygen to the sponge.

What are Amoebocytes and what do they secrete?

Amoebocytes are amoeba like cells found in sponges. They are totipotent (able to divide and form differentiate cells) in nature. They basically store, digest and transport food, excrete wastes, secrete skeleton and also may give rise to buds in asexual reproduction.

What is the function of Amoebocytes Archaeocytes?

The amoebocytes (derived from stem-cell-like archaeocytes), are so named because they move throughout the mesohyl in an amoeba-like fashion. They have a variety of functions: In addition to delivering nutrients from choanocytes to other cells within the sponge, they also give rise to eggs for sexual reproduction.

What are choanocytes and its function?

Choanocytes are specialized cells that have a single flagellum surrounded by a net-like collar of microvilli (Figure 3). Choanocytes join together creating the choanoderm, where they perform two major functions. The first is to create a flow of water and the second is to capture food items as they pass by these cells.

What are two functions of Amoebocytes?

Amoebocytes have a variety of functions: delivering nutrients from choanocytes to other cells within the sponge; giving rise to eggs for sexual reproduction (which remain in the mesohyl); delivering phagocytized sperm from choanocytes to eggs; and differentiating into more-specific cell types.

What is the function of Sclerocytes?

Sclerocytes are specialised cells that secrete the mineralized structures in the body wall of some invertebrates. In sponges they secrete calcareous or siliceous spicules which are found in the mesohyl layer of sponges. The sclerocytes produce spicules via formation of a cellular triad.

What is the function of a Pinacocyte?

Function. Pinacocytes are part of the epithelium in sponges. They play a role in movement (contracting and stretching), cell adhesion, signaling, phagocytosis, and polarity. Pinacocytes are filled with mesohyl which is a gel like substance that helps maintain the shape and structure of the sponge.

What are three functions of choanocytes?

The choanocytes carry out a variety of functions including circulation, capturing food, and assisting with reproduction. The movement of the flagellum creates water currents that aid in circulation.

What does Pinacocytes mean?

: one of the flat cells covering the external surface and lining the incurrent and excurrent canals of sponges.

What is a Pinocyte?

(pĭn′ə-sĭ-tō′sĭs, -sī-, pī′nə-) Introduction of fluids into a cell by invagination of the cell membrane, followed by formation of vesicles within the cell. [Greek pīnein, to drink; see pō(i)- in Indo-European roots + cyt(o)- + -osis.]

What are Pinacocytes and choanocytes?

Choanocytes are cells with a flagellum while pinacocytes make up the pinacoderm of sponges. Both provide important cellular advantages to the sponge. Choanocytes help in accumulating oxygen and nutrients while pinacocytes provide a shape to the body through contraction and relaxation.

What are the functions of amoebocytes in the cell?

Amoebocytes move food to other cells that need it, help to form sperm and eggs, form gemmules (protective casings) to survive harsh conditions, and are responsible for regeneration. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.

What are amoebocytes in sponges?

Amoebocytes are amoeba like cells found in sponges. They are totipotent (able to divide and form differentiate cells) in nature.They basically store, digest and transport food, excrete wastes, secrete skeleton and also may give rise to buds in asexual reproduction.

How are amoebocytes used to form sperm and egg?

Amoebocytes interact with other cells called trophocytes to form both the sperm and the egg. During fertilization, the sperm are released from the sponge to reach another sponge. If successful, it enters a choanocyte or an amoebocyte, and then is fused with egg cells.

How are choanocytes different from the amoebocytes?

Choanocytes (not an amoebocyte but a different type of cell) are flagellated cells that capture and digest food in sponges. These cells use their flagella to create a current, bringing food into the pores of the sponge, capturing them, and packaging them into food vacuoles.

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