CTENOCYST Meaning and
Definition
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Ctenocyst refers to a specialized structure found in certain marine organisms, particularly ctenophores or comb jellies. It is a unique organelle located near the animal's aboral or rear end.
Functionally, a ctenocyst serves as a defensive mechanism, enabling ctenophores to capture prey or protect themselves from potential threats. The ctenocysts contain a long, adhesive filament that can be everted or released into the water when triggered. These filaments consist of specialized cells known as colloblasts, which have a sticky substance that allows the ctenophore to entangle or ensnare its prey.
When the ctenocysts are triggered, the adhesive filaments are projected outwards, capturing small organisms such as zooplankton or other microscopic prey items in the surrounding water. Once captured, the ctenophore retracts the filaments back into the ctenocysts and brings the prey to its mouth for consumption.
The ctenocysts also play a crucial role in self-defense by releasing the sticky filaments towards potential predators, helping the ctenophore escape or deter the attacker.
Overall, the ctenocysts are remarkable structures found in ctenophores that enable these animals to capture and consume prey and provide a defense mechanism against threats in their marine habitat.
Common Misspellings for CTENOCYST
- xtenocyst
- vtenocyst
- ftenocyst
- dtenocyst
- crenocyst
- cfenocyst
- cgenocyst
- cyenocyst
- c6enocyst
- c5enocyst
- ctwnocyst
- ctsnocyst
- ctdnocyst
- ctrnocyst
- ct4nocyst
- ct3nocyst
- ctebocyst
- ctemocyst
- ctejocyst
- ctehocyst
Etymology of CTENOCYST
The word Ctenocyst has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: cteno meaning comb and kystis meaning bladder or cyst.
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